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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by blondegirl47 on March 24, 2003, at 14:50:13
In reply to Re: Strattera Tics/weird sleep, posted by Lexxey on March 15, 2003, at 8:50:39
I too wake up about 3:30 4, every morning. This is my second week of strattera. I am up to 25mg a day. It seems to make me very hungry. I am also on Adderall 20ml(2 at once in the morning) I think it is helping me. I don't feel as stressed lately and I can focus a little better.
Posted by blondegirl47 on March 24, 2003, at 14:52:22
In reply to Re: Would love Strattera updates, posted by Lexxey on March 18, 2003, at 15:36:27
Does strattera make you hungry or tired.
Posted by Spinning on March 25, 2003, at 1:55:23
In reply to Straterra approval., posted by scoper on December 28, 2002, at 2:19:34
Just ended my 4th day on Strattera. Boy, have I been irritable. Is it the Strattera, or am I just really crabby? I have been taking 40mgs in the AM. I don't feel one other thing. I am so disappointed...I am hoping this works. Ritalin and Adderall worked really well for me, but caused mind blowing headaches. Should I increase to 80mgs in the hopes of feeling something? Will that decrease the irritability? Or am I just impatient and it hasn't had time to work yet? Also, how long do the effects last once I start feeling anything? Is this just a couple of hours type drug or an all day one? Thanks!
Posted by blondegirl47 on March 25, 2003, at 7:54:20
In reply to Strattera-4 days later, posted by Spinning on March 25, 2003, at 1:55:23
I would have your dr add back your adderall. My doc said, that taking away other meds and using staterra alone wasn't working well. Maybe your dr started you on too high a dose. I started with 18 ml for 4 days, now I am doing 25ml for 2 weeks.
My SO says I am calmer... I don't feel as tense and I have had some moments of really good focus.
The thing I don't like is I am physically hungry all day after I take it. I have started taking it before bed. Please keep me up dated on your progressBlondegirl
Posted by blondegirl47 on March 25, 2003, at 7:55:46
In reply to Re: Strattera light headed, posted by carlyb on March 23, 2003, at 9:05:38
I started taking mine at night before bed, so I don't get so hungry. Makes me a little tired too.
Posted by blondegirl47 on March 25, 2003, at 7:58:21
In reply to Re: Strattera and constipation, posted by Tealah on March 22, 2003, at 19:26:38
If I drink enough water it helps. Dried fruit is good too. Maybe he would eat raisins. Exercise helps me too. Hope this helps.
Posted by Hattree on March 25, 2003, at 9:11:13
In reply to Strattera-4 days later, posted by Spinning on March 25, 2003, at 1:55:23
Did you just drop your Adderall? If so, that might account for the irritability and hunger. I'm sitting on some Strattera while waiting to get over the ravenous hunger, exhaustion and crabbiness of stimulant withdrawal.
Posted by blondegirl47 on March 25, 2003, at 9:14:38
In reply to Re: Strattera-4 days later » Spinning, posted by Hattree on March 25, 2003, at 9:11:13
I am still taking two 20ml adderall xr in the morning and 15 ml short acting late afternoon. Even with the adderall I am very hungry after I take it. Your doc shouldn't have had you cold turkey your meds, you can't tell if the other med is working if your crashing. Sometimes I wonder about what these docs are thinking.
Posted by Hattree on March 25, 2003, at 9:23:56
In reply to Re: Strattera-4 days later » Hattree, posted by blondegirl47 on March 25, 2003, at 9:14:38
> > Your doc shouldn't have had you cold turkey your meds, you can't tell if the other med is working if your crashing. Sometimes I wonder about what these docs are thinking.
That's why I'm waiting it out before trying Strattera. Look, everyone is different. I've been on and off stimulants for years and for me tapering is actually more unpleasant. I wonder what docs are thinking sometimes, too, and they're often lame, but the conventional wisdom doesn't work for everyone.
Posted by Spinning on March 25, 2003, at 9:28:56
In reply to Strattera-4 days later, posted by Spinning on March 25, 2003, at 1:55:23
Actually I was not taking Adderall at this time. I took it about 2 months ago for only a week because of the horrible headaches. AAAAAAARRRGHHHH! This is maddening trying to figure it all out!
Thanks for the advice!
Posted by blondegirl47 on March 25, 2003, at 9:35:50
In reply to Re: Strattera-4 days later, posted by Spinning on March 25, 2003, at 9:28:56
Have you tried Dextrostat. I have had success with that, but I have built up a resistance and have gone off that for a while. Sometimes the headaches are caused by clentching your teeth. Periodically I will open my mouth wide and let my jaw muscles relax. Of couse I try to do this where no one will see me. :) Hope things get better!
Posted by Hattree on March 25, 2003, at 9:37:50
In reply to Re: Strattera light headed, posted by blondegirl47 on March 25, 2003, at 7:55:46
> I started taking mine at night before bed, so I don't get so hungry. Makes me a little tired too.
And it still helps your symptoms when you take it at night, as well as alleviating the side effects? Sounds worth a try!
Posted by blondegirl47 on March 25, 2003, at 9:42:13
In reply to Re: Strattera light headed, posted by Hattree on March 25, 2003, at 9:37:50
This medication is a 24 hour time release. I would do a search on the internet to read about all side effects. I have gained 2 pounds this week, if I can't get the hunger under control this medication will have to go. Its taken me a year to lose 23 pounds, and even though I feel better it won't be worth gaining back that weight. I still have 30 to go.
Posted by teacherkris on March 25, 2003, at 10:10:16
In reply to Re: Strattera light headed » Hattree, posted by blondegirl47 on March 25, 2003, at 9:42:13
Many of you have probably read my previous posts but I know how much I appreciate other people's updates so I'll continue to post mine. At this point (6 weeks in) I am on 60 mg of strattera, 40 am and 20 pm. The side effects are basically gone. I'm still on 72 mg of Concerta but will start to go off that next week when my Strattera goes upto 80 mg. Remember everyone that in the clinical trials 95 mg was the therapeutic dose so don't be surprised when you don't see results at 40.
At the same time I would say don't rush to raise your dose. I've been impatient at times but after reading all the posts about people having horrible side effects I'm glad I've gone up so slowly. I haven't had any constipation, I've lost 12 pounds (don't know for sure that it's Strat related but I've definitely had a loss of appetite) so excessive hunger hasn't been a problem for me, and I haven't really had a problem with tiredness. At the same time those first couple weeks were really tough with a lot of dizziness and irritability. Hang in there if you're in the early stages. Once we get to a therapeutic level this should be a 24 hour med which will make it soooo worth it! :-)
Posted by blondegirl47 on March 25, 2003, at 10:14:23
In reply to Re: Strattera light headed, posted by teacherkris on March 25, 2003, at 10:10:16
I don't want to get too personal, but have you had a trouble with libido? Maybe when I get to a higher dose the hungrys will go away. Thanks for the update :)
Posted by LibbyH on March 25, 2003, at 12:36:13
In reply to Re: Would love Strattera updates, posted by Lexxey on March 18, 2003, at 15:36:27
After a month on Straterra (80 mg/day) I'm finally going back to Ritalin SR.
Straterra actually improved my concentration & motivation. I found it much easier to follow through on small tasks. It also made me feel more clear-headed & totally eliminated what I called the "roller coaster effect" that I got with Ritalin (the constant ramping up, crashing, then ramping up, crashing, stc.) that I got from having to take Ritalin 3-4 times a day.
HOWEVER, the Straterra worsened my impulsivity so much my own family couldn't stand me. My daughter moved back in with her dad for awhile it was so bad. I couldn't work because I'd get dragged off track doing everything BUT what I needed to be doing.
After one day off the Straterra and on the Ritalin I feel better already. No irresistable impulses of any kind so far. Just a nice normal day. So hopefully I can actually go back to work again tomorrow.
L.
Posted by concernedaunt on March 25, 2003, at 13:57:59
In reply to Re: Strattera and constipation, posted by carlyb on March 23, 2003, at 9:03:57
Have not seen any new info in Straterrra and use in kids. Would like any feed-back on SA and dosages. I am considering this med for my niece, but have real concerns on SA, and any possible combos with other stims. She is on nothing at this time and a real handful.
Posted by paulk on March 25, 2003, at 15:10:16
In reply to Re: Strattera light headed » Hattree, posted by blondegirl47 on March 25, 2003, at 9:42:13
Atomoxetine (Straterra)is NOT time release. Its effects are longer term, but the drug is immediate release.
I wonder why Lilly didn't look at time release - may have reduced the stomach side effects? Probably will come out later at higher cost.
Posted by BrettMan on March 25, 2003, at 18:03:31
In reply to Straterra approval., posted by scoper on December 28, 2002, at 2:19:34
I'm going to change from Dexidrine to Straterra soon. I'm a male 28 and have been on Dexidrine for about 2 years. Has anyone else had the joy of doing so. How did the change go? The only fear I have is lossing the "kick" from the Dexidrine, I think that really helps me get on the ball.
Thank you
Brett Aabel
Posted by cybercafe on March 26, 2003, at 1:35:56
In reply to Straterra - Back to Ritalin SR for me, posted by LibbyH on March 25, 2003, at 12:36:13
> After a month on Straterra (80 mg/day) I'm finally going back to Ritalin SR.
>
> Straterra actually improved my concentration & motivation. I found it much easier to follow through on small tasks. It also made me feel more clear-headed & totally eliminated what I called the "roller coaster effect" that I got with Ritalin (the constant ramping up, crashing, then ramping up, crashing, stc.) that I got from having to take Ritalin 3-4 times a day.
>
> HOWEVER, the Straterra worsened my impulsivity so much my own family couldn't stand me. My daughter moved back in with her dad for awhile it was so bad. I couldn't work because I'd get dragged off track doing everything BUT what I needed to be doing.
>
> After one day off the Straterra and on the Ritalin I feel better already. No irresistable impulses of any kind so far. Just a nice normal day. So hopefully I can actually go back to work again tomorrow.
>
> L.
>
>
>
>
>do you mind if i ask how much ritalin SR you take?
i'm on 30 mg + 10 mg 4 hours later, wondering if that's a high dose or what
Posted by Msanjelpie on March 26, 2003, at 3:52:07
In reply to Re: Straterra - Back to Ritalin SR for me, posted by cybercafe on March 26, 2003, at 1:35:56
My son Stephen is 13. Started on 18mg Straterra 1 day ago. He is currently also taking 200mg Dilantin and 50mg Seroquel. Have decided to add Straterra to the mix.
First hour after taking pill - eyes looked very glassy, swooned a bit while walking, fell into bed and snoozed.
He woke up 8 hours later. Very odd - usually sleeps between 10 and 12 hours. He was wide awake and went right to work on the computer. Stayed there the entire day. Didn't speak to anyone, very absorbed in whatever he was doing.
He still had not eaten as of 20 hours after taking the pill. Then he seemed to return to his 'old self' - ate dinner, acted goofy and childish, no other side effects to report.
Took second pill. Have to open the pills and mix them with honey. Can't swallow pills. Did not have the spacey drugged look as like the first night. Seemed normal and even sat playing trivial pursuit with his younger brother. (An unusual occurrence.)
Will keep you posted on the side effects versus any mental improvements etc...
HISTORY:
He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and PDD at a young age. Started on Zyprexa at the age of 9. It helped with socialization and paying more attention in class. (Most of the time he is in his own world and unaware of what the 'rest of the class' is doing.)
Stopped the Zyprexa 2 years later due to 2 side effects we didn't like. Excessive weight gain due to binging and excessive sleepiness. (Required a minimum of 12 hours sleep each night and would still be groggy throughout the day.)
Tried Risperdal, that only lasted 1 week. Had horrible night terrors and stomach cramping. Will never try that one again.
Switched to Dilantin, (to reduce hyperexcitability); an older medication that is chewable. Only side effect of that is that at 13 he has a moustache.
Added Seroquel to the mix to replace the Zyprexa. It helped with the outbursts of anger and depression.
About me: I'm 40 with Bipolar/OCD and currently on 40mg Prozac, 200mg Lamictal and .5 mg Ativan. The mix works well for me. Klonopin makes me suicidal and Xanax had too much rebound. I'm happy with my current cocktail and if I could ever sleep all the way through the night that would be great.
My father has schizophrenia and is currently on Haldol, Buspar, Elavil and Wellbutrin.
I'll keep you posted on the Straterra front.
Jeannie
Posted by LibbyH on March 26, 2003, at 5:22:12
In reply to Re: Straterra - Back to Ritalin SR for me, posted by cybercafe on March 26, 2003, at 1:35:56
I take 40-60 mg of Ritalin SR per day, which I'm told is a fairly high dose, so I'd say your dose is about typical for and adult SR dose. Just my 2 cents...
L.
Posted by blondegirl47 on March 26, 2003, at 7:34:57
In reply to Med Change Dexidrine to Straterra, posted by BrettMan on March 25, 2003, at 18:03:31
According t my doc, the two can be taken together. He said, that he hadn't had a lot of success with switching to just strattera. If you go off your medication cold turkey you will crash Strattera isn't a stimulant.
Posted by Spinning on March 26, 2003, at 11:45:53
In reply to Straterra - Back to Ritalin SR for me cybercafe, posted by LibbyH on March 26, 2003, at 5:22:12
Hi! I think I am going to go back to Ritalin...although it has been about 3 years since I have taken it. Strattera is just made me way to irritable and I just don't have the patience to wait and see if it works. Can I ask you about your Ritalin experience? I took the extended release kind and did not care for it as much as the short release kind...made me to tired. But, I also need it to function for about 12 hours a day. How often do you take the Ritalin? Thanks!
Posted by cybercafe on March 26, 2003, at 23:34:39
In reply to Straterra - Back to Ritalin SR for me cybercafe, posted by LibbyH on March 26, 2003, at 5:22:12
> I take 40-60 mg of Ritalin SR per day, which I'm told is a fairly high dose, so I'd say your dose is about typical for and adult SR dose. Just my 2 cents...
> L.
>
>do you mind if i ask how many times a day ? and do you get a mood elevating effect?
thanks :)
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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