Hello again!

Yet another question. :)

Today I called the pharmacy to make sure there wasn't any drug interaction issues with a non-mental medication that I'm on. I know that it's hard on the liver, as is Strattera.

The pharmacist said I should be okay, but that they should be testing my liver enzymes twice in the first six weeks I'm on Strattera; once after three weeks, and then again in another three weeks.

Neither my primary care physician, nor my psychiatrist told me that I should get the liver enzyme testing done during startup of the medication. I did have my liver enzymes tested before starting Strattera (about six months before starting, actually) and they were fine.

I've already put a call into my psychiatrist to ask him about this, but I wanted to know if any of you have any experience with the pharmacist's recommendation.

I just started on 60mg today and want to be responsible as far as making sure I'm not hurting my body by trying to help my mind!

Thanks!

While I was on this my Dr. did have me get my enzymes tested once but he wasn't concerned about there being an effect. Said that in rare cases it had caused problems so I did it one time and that was it.

Ended up going off of it because of other side effects.

Hi innaminute,
The monitoring is at the doc's discretion. You can request it.
Also, you might already have this info but just in case, here is the FDA-approved Strattera medication guide, which contains the detailed warning info:
http://pi.lilly.com/us/strattera-ppi.pdf
Good luck!

Liver enzyme testing, to my understanding, monitors liver function and is a proactive safeguard when taking regular, ongoing prescriptions metabolized or broken down by the liver. The testing basically shows if the liver is "stressing" to breakdown and filter the chemicals from the blood. High enzyme levels may indicate early stages of damage to the liver which would warrant a change in dose or medication all together. Liver enzyme tests are also routinely done to check for hepatitis B or C or chronic liver conditions. High levels of liver enzymes can also indicate viral or bacterial infections, certain medications (e.g., some cholesterol-lowering medications), excessive use of alcohol, joint and bone-related problems, certain types of cancers, diabetes that has been poorly controlled or gall bladder diseases.

I was liver function tested prior to being RX for stimulants but Doc has not indicated how often he may want it done.....liver enzyme testing is through a blood sample and sometimes your asked to fast after midnight the day before....which is a pain if your blood sample won't be taken until the next afternoon.

My Doc gets a urine sample at every office visit I go to......anyone else? What is he looking for? All he has ever said is it looks fine.....any ideas?

Thanks, all.

I did have the blood testing months ago (I forget how many, but I did have it) because I am on another medication (non-mental med) that can also be stressful on the liver. They were fine back then.

I called my doc and asked him about the testing and he said the liver effects were very rare and that I could have the testing if I wanted it, but that mostly, I should just be concerned if I turn yellow!

I actually need to setup a physical with my primary care physician, so when I do that (if I can stop procrastinating) I will ask him for his thoughts.

Thanks again for the input. I'm kind of a worrywart when it comes to my health, but I'm trying to find a balance.

I'll definitely need to get one in a few months, anyhow.

Thanks again for the input. :)

Because of my other meds (getting old and stuff happens), I am tested annually and I just get a copy from my primary doc for my pdoc.