To what extent do you think of Strattera as an anti-depressant?

I know that's how it was originally conceived and would like to hear firsthand how much of a happy pill this drug is.

I develop symtoms of Mania when introduced to them (that do not occur unless AD medication is administered)

Didn't find strattera to be a happy pill, but then when I took it, I'd been taking a TCA for 15 years (and still am).

I develop symtoms of Mania when introduced to them (that do not occur unless AD medication is administered)
Could you describe (if you don't mind) your feelings of mania because I have had a really tough time with Strattera and find it hard to describe especially to the psychiatrist.

Antidepressants are not happy pills. They are "normal" pills for someone who's chemistry is thrown off by stress-induced brain changes, or another condition (such as ADD).

Antidepressants are not happy pills. They are "normal" pills for someone who's chemistry is thrown off by stress-induced brain changes, or another condition (such as ADD).
Thank you QueensU girl,
I wanted to say that myself and should have. AD's are definitely not happy pills, just -- if they work and thank god mine do -- brain chemical balancers. They help clean your windshield, but they don't make you glad about everything you see. And they won't do anything much for someone who doesn't need them -- which is why people don't sell them in alleys.

K k,


So, do antidepressants have any kind of effect where you have more or less emotions or something?

I kind of find Strattera gives me too much emotions. Its like I'm overwhelmed with feelings, and can't think about anything else such as work. I can't stand it

K k,


So, do antidepressants have any kind of effect where you have more or less emotions or something?

I kind of find Strattera gives me too much emotions. Its like I'm overwhelmed with feelings, and can't think about anything else such as work. I can't stand it
First, disclaimer: all meds have infinitely varied possible results.

My own experience is that AD's take away fear, agitation and negative thinking which spring out from nowhere and have no cause and which paralyze me, take away all ability to enjoy or even do things that I usually enjoy and give me an almost physical pain. The world seems wrong, my mind goes in circles of fear and sadness and I have no hope of anything ever changing; indeed I can barely remember things ever being different. I have Major Depressive Disorder, major episodes of which recurred about every 3-4 years from the time I was 5.

That said, I have been taking an AD for almost 20 years and have not had an episode since I started.

I've never taken Strattera as an AD.

Do AD's make you feel more emotion? I think sometimes they do, because often once the depression lifts, you get a better idea of what you're really feeling and thinking. Depending on how long and why you've been depressed (some depression is situational, or cause by circumstances in your life), you may have a lot of things to work through -- and a therapist can come in very handy to help with that.

Talk to your doctor. S/he may have ideas about the effect of the Strattera and what you should do.

(I apologize for the length and pedantry of this message, but I have some very strong ideas about people understanding depression.)

not at all, that as perfectly concise & therefore flew right by! Thank you for the insight.