Straterra and vomiting

[redmama2]

My newly 7 year old started Straterra about 3 months ago and it’s been a godsend. He’s happier, able to focus in school, not having anger issues/temper tantrums, etc. The only problem is it often makes him vomit after taking it. Taking it with food seems to help a bit but not much. His doctor just recommended he eat bread with it, which he does, and didn’t have any other suggestions. He has had issues with random vomiting before starting medication which they attributed to acid reflux but the reflux medication didn’t really help him with that. He’s been allergy tested and it doesn’t happen with specific food so I don’t think it’s the food that’s triggering it.

Any suggestions? Anybody else experience this?

[Snowseeker]

Hi, my now 17 year old took Strattera from 3rd to 8th grade. It worked quite well for him during those years. But as he grew, he didn’t tolerate increased dosage without experiencing significant side effects (very dark moods and started isolating). As soon as we lowered the dosage he was fine again but it was no longer helping him enough at the lower dose. He then transitioned to stimulated based medication.

Strattera did sometimes give him tummy aches. But he rarely threw up (but I think there were a few times). I don’t have precise data tracking but it seemed to happen more frequently with the generic versions. The original brand is made by Eli Lilly and the pills are slightly smaller and easier to swallow too. I wonder if pill size is triggering gag reflex? If that is too expensive, the exact same Lilly product was also sold as a generic under the manufacturer name of “Praxco” (but it’s the exact same bottle, the smaller capsule size, and same production plant as Lilly). Lilly bottles are white and foil sealed (not the orange pharmacy bottles).

[redmama2 in reply to Snowseeker]

We do use the generic as that is what insurance will cover. I’ll look into that particular generic brand. Thanks for the advice

[Elijah1]

If it is possible to split the dose to morning and evening (Strattera was originally a twice daily dose medication), the vmoiting may stop.

[Elijah1]

And if splitting the dose doesn't work, consider a trial of Qelbree, which is also a nonstimulant treatment.

[adoptivemom]

We haven't started giving this to our son yet, but have this Rx filled. I was worried as our experience on stimulants was rough! Your success with it is encouraging!! I'll report back if there is some upset tummy with it. Hopefully you can find a way to get the vomit reaction resolved. Maybe a bigger meal than just bread? Hope you can find a soluiton!!

[redmama2 in reply to adoptivemom]

Bread was his doctor’s suggestion, but he usually gets a big breakfast and we tried adding more carbs like she suggested and it didn’t seem to help. We just switched to a liquid form, so hopefully that helps. Hope it’s helpful for your son! It’s been a lifesaver for us!

[Purple718]

GI upset is a side effect. My doctor recommended having my son take it before bed instead of in the morning. My son was able to tolerate the lower dose by doing this but also vomited when we tried increasing, so we switched to Qelbree, which he takes in the morning with no stomach problems.

[redmama2 in reply to Purple718]

We just switched to a liquid form so we’ll see if that helps. If not I’ll look into Qelbree, thanks for the suggestion.

[Mamamichl]

I am having a lot of good experience with Stratera too. I did notice that I feel nauseous and sleepy higher doses though. See if you can lower his dose.

Is he taking it as a pill whole or is it the medicine specifically? My daughter and I have strong gag reflexes so that makes us vomit more. If this is the case, taking the med poured out into a scoop of something creamy (ice cream, pudding etc) may help.

If it is the medicine, see if he can take it at night instead of the morning. I know my stomach can handle more and is stronger at night (dinner time) rather than the morning. My doctor said it was ok for me, so make sure your doc is ok with it too.

[redmama2 in reply to Mamamichl]

We just upped his dose and it happened on the lower doses too. Stimulants also made him vomit and we even tried a liquid form so I don’t know. His liquid Guanfacine never causes any issues. Taking it at night is better for his stomach but makes it not as effective in the morning and he gets into trouble at school. We just switched to a liquid form (had to get it compounded) so we’ll see how that goes. Thanks for your response! Glad to know he’s not the only one with these issues

[Onthemove1971]

Can you say a little more about the vomiting?

Does it happen at the same time of day?

I know it sounds weird, are there other symptoms after he vomits?

Is there anyone in your family dignosised with migraines?

Have you tried other stimulant medication?

[redmama2 in reply to Onthemove1971]

We’ve tried Vyvanse, adderall, and concerta (liquid). They’ve all also caused vomiting too. It usually happens a few hours after taking the medication but not at a specific time of day.