Strattera+Effexor

[Barbette]

I've been taking Effexor for about 8 months now for treatment of ADD and depression. My Dr. felt Effexor was a better drug than Wellbutin for this and I can't argue. It has been a tremendous help, but we both felt I needed something more. I go to the VA and I was just approved for the use of Strattera which is currently not approved for general distribution. Since I am the first and currently only patient on it (in this clinic) I need to pay close attention to any changes I experience. I figure this will be a great place to post my experiences. So starting today I will take one 18 mg capsule for 3 days, then move on to 18 mg twice a day. I see my Dr again in 2 weeks.

[joanrdtobe]

Barbette: Good luck on the Strattera.....My suggestion is take with lots of water (as I had trouble peeing while on it, perhaps you might too, maybe not), and take early in the day which I suggest because even though it's not a stimulant I had a little trouble sleeping at night....

[cagrl]

barbette - i too go to the va for treatment, however i was told by my dr that they wouldnt approve strattera as a new drug to introduce into the formulary due to the cost. so i was taking dexedrine, with terrible results i was a mess - and the dr just told me to stick with it and increased the dosage, after a month i said enough, and now im on effexor and depakote...so far with im ok with that, my anxiety is gone but not the add - although im able to focus a little better.
good luck on the strattera

[Barbette]

The first day I took my Strattera I felt like I was on an anti histimine. When I take antihistimes I always get the "stares"
My boyfriend calls it the "1000 yard stare" Any way for my second and third day of just 18 mg in the morning I did not notice anything. Maybe my first day was some kind of psychological trip. So tomorrow I will increase to 18 mg twice a day.

[Barbette]

ugh~ I slept for a week! I just could not wake up. I looked up side effects and this is listed for kids but not adults. So 10 days into it I woke up feeling great. Awake and alert and ready to go.

[joanrdtobe]

That's great Barbette that it's working for you....Keep us posted as to your improvement in focus/getting things done....

[Barbette]

Day 15 Seeing improvement in my attention and concentration, but not a big change. The best thing is waking up and feeling awake. This is so new for me. I have always been slow to wake up. Usually staying in a fog for 2 or more hours.