Reservations about Straterra

[domo-kun]

I'd be willing to try this med but fear that it will be difficult to get off if it does not work. I had a bad time with Paxil and it took four months to get off of it.

[Andrew]

I can understand your reservations, domo-kun. However, my first-hand experience with Strattera has been very positive. Its a non-stimulant medication, and I have found it to be non-addictive.

When I have been unable to take my meds for a period of time, the only effects I have felt, is my feeling as if I wasn't on meds...but no craving, nausea, discomfort, headache or anything else.

Hope this helps.

[domo-kun]

I've heard about the sexual side effects. I've heard about how it interupts climax and dulls sex. I'm 29, single, and sexual side effects are not acceptable to me. I'm not a playa but I just started dating again!

[Andrew]

I can understand that. Some people have experienced sexual side effects from many medications, not just ADHD meds. Depending on the person, the effects from taking Strattera, or other extended release meds can last from 1/2 day to a full day...perhaps you can time your meds so that they wear off around the time you plan to be sexually active.

While I would never recommend that someone stop taking their meds, some people have done so for a short peiod of time, when the meds interfered with their quality of life.

At the end of the day, that's really what its all about - Quality of Life. Its why I take my meds...so that I can function to the best of my ability, and so that I can enjoy life to its fullest.

[atomx]

domo-kun: I'm 32, male, and in a long-term relationship. I had to stop taking Strattera because of the sexual side effects (delayed, abnormal orgasms, and very low libido). At the end of the day, however, as Big states -- quality of life is the bottom line. If you're depressed and lonely, your sexual functioning isn't likely to be good, either, so weigh the very real effects of AD/HD in the equation.

Also, of course, your mileage may vary. While I took Strattera for a couple of weeks (with no improvement and intolerable side effects), getting off it "cold turkey" was not a problem. I took Paxil also (and also dealt with the hell of coming off it) and I can say with confidence that for me at least, coming off Strattera was NOTHING like coming off Paxil. It was as simple as no longer taking a pill.

Your mileage may vary, talk to your doc, etc.

-- Tom