Not great results with Strattera

[Calicogirl]

I am glad to see that this medicine is helping some people. It didn’t do anything for my son except make him want to sleep all the time. I am wondering if it is for ADD and not for AD/HD. We kept him on it for over a month, and it was just back to homework issues and teacher issues. Oh well, back to Concerta for him.

But I am really glad it does help others.

[serenade]

Well, my son has been on it for....um....4 weeks, I guess....and he slept a lot at first. Kinda nice for me! LOL! We just increased the dosage to 40mg this morning, so we'll see how that works. The reason for the increase was due to the hyperactivity level! Good Lord! And the impulsivity. As far as the concentration, it's hard to tell. See we changed schools (now in a homeschool/work at your own pace type setting) right about the same time we changed from the Concerta to the Strattera. I really want this to work for him. I've heard such wonderful things....and the stimulants create some really unpleasant side effects for him (tics...as if his self-esteem isn't low enough already!) I know what I have to struggle with as an ADDult, but my poor baby!

Originally posted by Mystica
I am glad to see that this medicine is helping some people. It didn’t do anything for my son except make him want to sleep all the time. I am wondering if it is for ADD and not for AD/HD. We kept him on it for over a month, and it was just back to homework issues and teacher issues. Oh well, back to Concerta for him.

But I am really glad it does help others.

[Andrew]

Originally posted by Mystica
I am glad to see that this medicine is helping some people. It didn’t do anything for my son except make him want to sleep all the time. I am wondering if it is for ADD and not for AD/HD.

Mystica,

As I've said a number of times, what works for one person may not work for another. This applies to dosage levels as well as medications.

Have you talked to your son's doctor about the sleeping issue? As serenade mentioned, being tired can be a side effect until you reach the desired or appropriate level of meds for a person.

When I first started on Strattera, I was at 40mgs. I have always had a hard time getting up in the morning. Then I started taking an additional 16, and now 32 mgs in the afternoon. This appears to be the answer for me (at least for now)

I suppose if you've switched back already you've made your decision. But if you havent switched yet, perhaps trying a higher dose might be worthwhile.

[Lexxy]

I really, really wanted this stuff to work but I'm about ready to give up. I was on 40mg for 2 1/2 weeks and have been on 80mg or the full dose for 12 days and I just don't feel any different. I have trouble getting enthusiastic about anything...just feel apathetic and I'm usually raring to go.

I am coping with the sleep problems and constipation fine now but I don't feel anything but hungry all the time and I really wanted the appetite suppressing affect.

I see my doc on the 21st and I guess I will decide what to do then. I'm so disappointed. I wasted all this time getting used to something that doesn't help. I have some 60mg.

Do you suppose I should try a higher dose? I weigh 150. I take 40mg in am and another 40mg at 4pm. My doc gave me 14 -60mg in case I needed to use them but I was wondering if there are others who have gone that high.

The studies said that some folks need more and did better on it. I have taken Ritalin very well for 19 years ...with a one month drug holiday each year so I don't build a tolerance.

I would appreciate any advise from adults who have been successful on Strattera.

[atomx]

Lexxy, you'll have to ask your doc about increasing the doseage.

My belief is that, if it isn't going to work, it isn't going to work. Brain chemistry differs widely.

Good luck finding the right combination...

-- Tom

[Andrew]

I would add that weight has nothing to do with how much ADD medication you take. It all about YOUR brain, and how its wired. As I said earlier, I would talk to your doctor about trying a higher dosage, but in the end, this med may in fact, not be for you.

Good luck and let us know how things go!

[Lexxy]

First of all...with Strattera the weight does make a difference...read the lab info on their site.

I finally gave it up completely[Strattera]...wasn't worth it...had heart palpitations, increase in bp and was just too constipated and sleepless.

After over a week for it to wear off I finally feel like me again and I can get something done. I will stick with the trusty Ritalin that I have taken for almost 20 years. I shouldn't have changed...I gained 4 pounds in the 6 weeks I was on Strattera but I have already lost 3 on Ritalin again. I was a loaf!!!

[unreal33]

Has anyone here had good results on this?

[sixes]

Strattera didn't work for me. A waste of my $$$. SO now I am not on any meds. I do the best I can. And force myself to stay focused.

[Andrew]

I have been on Strattera for several months now, with very good results. I can't stress enough the importance of understanding that a med that works for one person may not be effective for another. This does not make the medication a "waste of money", nor does it make the medication ineffective (except for specific individuals, for whom other meds may work).

IMHO, You should always speak with your healthcare provider and do your own research before deciding to try a medication.

[Andrew]

Originally posted by Lexxy
First of all...with Strattera the weight does make a difference...read the lab info on their site.

Not sure where my post went regarding the weight-based prescribing information on Eli Lilly's website (must have gotten lost in the last crash of the forums). But if you read this information carefully, regarding the weight based prescribing chart, it is specifically designed as a guide for providers to use when prescribing initial dosages for children.

I think its prudent for doctors to start out with as low a dosage of medication as is required, then work with the dosage until the patient experiences the optimum benefits, with the least amount of side effects.

Medication is not for everyone, and when I choose to take meds, I carefully weigh the benefits of a med against possible side effects, keeping in mind that it may take some time before I realize the full effects.

[joanrdtobe]

I was on it a for awhile, but the side effects were just too great....for one thing it increased my sex drive to an extent I was uncomfortable with, it made me want to sleep all day and stay awake all night and it gave me strange sensations in my mouth. Oh yes and it gave me cramps which felt like urinary tract infections which were not in fact uti's at all. Not too great for a student's lifestyle. My doctor had decreased my dosage (from 80 mg per day to a very small dosage) but decided it wasn't worth it). Yes it DID help with better focussing, but side effects still too much. So still on 400 mg Wellbutrin daily.

[Andrew]

Yes, like I said...its all about finding your balance.

[unreal33]

Originally posted by sixes
Strattera didn't work for me. A waste of my $$$. SO now I am not on any meds. I do the best I can. And force myself to stay focused.

I wouldn't call it a waste of your money... you used it and found out that type of med didn't do anything for you. While it might not have been the best USE of your money, at least it ruled out a medication... and sometimes ruling things out can be valuable.

[misclee]

I've just started on Strattera today. My first dose of 20 mg was at 2pm. I had some jitters, but now I just feel kind of tired. I'm willing to try just about anything at this point. I really hope this works! Wish me luck everyone