Posted by zeugma on December 4, 2004, at 17:04:07
In reply to I wonder if I made the right choice..., posted by Peddidle on December 3, 2004, at 23:29:08
I had a similar experience with Strattera, but over a much longer time-frame. The increase in motivation, attention, etc., were great, and I also experienced a strong antidepressant effect. As time wore on, however, the fatigue which I always suffer from (I probably have narcolepsy as well as ADD) began to worsen, and my mood began to worsen. It reached the point where I was crying all the time, and could not stay awake long enough to eat dinner (well, I still struggle with that). I decided enough was enough after taking a 40 mg capsule in the afternoon and feeling the fatigue and sadness overtake me. I went off it completely and started Provigil, which worked amazingly well for my symptoms, but caused hellish side effects. I then tried Ritalin LA, which simply didn't work, and in desperation went back to Strattera. I can tell you that its alerting effects were there, and it helped me through a tight spot, but it quickly became clear that this was not going to be a long-term solution as its depressing and fatiguing elements were still there.
I went back to Ritalin LA and moved up the dosage to where therapeutic effects appeared (60 mg). Unfortunately that comes with its own side effects, but I have learned that every drug comes with its hazards, and my unmedicated state is intolerable. I don't think you made the wrong decsion in stopping Strattera, and if you need a similar medication, you can try one of the old TCA's that it most resembles, desipramine or nortriptyline. In my opinion these are superior medications because they don't cause the peculiar fatigue and anhedonia that Strattera does (at least, not typically: no drug is perfect!). I am currently taking nortriptyline and I consider that to be far better in terms of sustained efficacy and lack of energy drain. I hope the Concerta works for you.
poster:zeugma
thread:424204
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041201/msgs/424420.html