Hi, my ds has been on meds since about October of 2002. He was on Rit at first. Was not at all happy with it. Moody, withdrawn and depressed. Well now he has been on Strattera since December.He is back to his cheerful self now, but he has a lot of stomach aches and is losing weight. He wants to eat but his stomach bothers him too much and when he does eat it is always in small amounts. I hate for food to become an issue on top of everything. I want to take him off it, but I do not want him to become a med experiment. I dont want him medicated, but I want to help him at the same time. I guess I am conflicted about all this and am looking for ideas. Has any one tried alternative or homeopathic ideas?

Ginger

Gidget,

I'm sorry that your son is having this kind of side effect (stomach aches) with Strattera. On the plus side, meds obviously help him. Now, the question is, what time of the day do you give him his meds? In the morning? If so, try giving him his meds at night, right before he goes to bed. Strattera is not a stimulant, so it should not matter what time of the day he takes it.

This is what I do. I have a better night's sleep, and wake up refreshed as well!

I am unaware of any alternative or homeopathic solutions that replicate the same biochemical impact that Strattera has. However, some members of the forum have had some experience with Fish Oils, Omega-3s and other 'holistic' solutions. Perhaps they will be able to respond to you. Also, you can check the Miscelleneous and Alternative Treatments (http://www.addforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=159) section and the Healthy Living (http://www.addforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=106) Section.

Ginger,

My son reacted the same way to a different med. What we did was play with the dosing time a little till we found a happy medium. Have you tried any experiment's with this. While his med stated best time to take it was in the AM we found if he took it before bedtime it still lasted thru the day but did not affect his stomach as much. Another idea is let him eat first and then give the med after letting his food digest for about 30 minutes or so.

Not everyone is alike so your son may or may not respond. How long has he been on the med? It may be something that goes away with time. Not something you want to hear when you see your child suffering I KNOW.

Good luck please keep us posted
Cherity

I should add that his last report card came right before he was switched. He was on the honor roll for A's and B's. I just got his third report card and he has a C and a D and all his behavior went from satisfactory to Needs Improving. All of it. It seems that the med is not working for him. He also has this thing where he picks at his face,chews on his clothing and licks his lips until they are red and chapped. It has also gotten worse since the switch. I have been advised to go back to the Ritalin but I REALLY do not want to. He was depressed and moody on it. He is at the maximum dosage for his weight on the Straterra. He was on 20 mg of Rit. IF he were to go back on it, maybe 10 mg would be effective without the depression? Any one have any experience with that?

Ginger

So, to recap, he was getting good grades on Ritalin, and he's in a cheerful mood on Strattera. Right? Has your son ever been evaluated for depression? It is often comorbid with ADD/ADHD. Perhaps you can talk to his doc about trying a stimulant med again, perhaps concerta or adderal (time released meds) and an antidepressant.

With ADD meds, results will vary, not all meds will work, and dosages will vary as well - for each person.

Hang in there, Gidget. Once you find the right med combination, you'll BOTH be much happier for it. I should know. I went through similar trials & medical tribulations!

I would follow Big's advice Gidget I know it seem's like a no win situation but once you hit on a combination that work's. It's a whole new world not only for you but for your son. Good Luck!!!