Experiences with Strattera? - CHADD's Adult ADH...

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Experiences with Strattera?

chumchummy profile image
8 Replies

Hi everyone,

I've been on Strattera for about half a year now, just recently stopped taking it because I noticed I was feeling certain side effects that I didn't particularly enjoy, but that I guess I didn't really notice before because there was a lot going on at the time. I also don't love the fact that the medication is in your system for as long as it is without being able to turn it off, which is why I prefer stimulants, despite the fact that they tend to give me intrusive thoughts. At first it was fine but now that I'm off of it I'm realizing I feel a lot more like myself.

I've been wondering what other people's experiences on the medication have been, since most of the reviews I've read have been pretty negative. What side effects did it give you? Has anyone found success with it? If so, what dosage are you on? Also, did anyone else just feel like they weren't themselves? I'm on Prozac as well and wondering if that might have contributed to it more than the Strattera.

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8 Replies
GatsbyCat profile image
GatsbyCat

Hello, Chumchummy~

I'm not taking Strattera, so I went to webmd to look up the side effects: webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6462...

There are quite a few side effects that I knew nothing about. And, I agree about stimulants, I'm on 20mg of Focalin (the generic one- Deximetholyane- spelling is probably wrong), as well as my 20mg of paroxetine (for ptsd/depression). They do not seem to disagree with each other. The Focalin is working well for me, and helped me focus and calm my racing mind. I do feel like myself with it, but better. My dr. started me with 10mg and increased to the 20mg after 1 month. I feel like the 20mg works better for me.

Never taken prozac, but the paroxetine works well for me. Again, I looked up prozac on webmd to see side effects etc. Does it not work well with the Strattera? Maybe a chat with the doctor to switch to a stimulant instead?? Others on this forum have recommended adderall - perhaps that is worth considering??

I do take a lot of different vitamins: centrum womens multi vitamin, B-12 for energy, C for overall help, Flax and Borage oil capsules to keep me regular, D for calcium, and sometimes Iron with Zinc, as this helps blood and trace elements.

I'm also trying to use my work tools, and merge them more into my personal life:

1. Prioritized to do list

2. Daily journal

3. Keeping a routine (this totally helps me)

4. Guided meditation from You Tube

Hope this helps you out a bit. Good luck on your continued journey!!

valetuhine profile image
valetuhine in reply to GatsbyCat

Strattera without a prescription - euhealth24.com/drug/stratte... I've been on this medicine for 6 years and it worked so well since I first started it. It helped me a lot with my ADHD and behavior problems, and I did not have any side effects. I've tried stimulants, but they either wear off too quickly or don't work.

GatsbyCat profile image
GatsbyCat

Another item I found in our community that might help you:

kmspa

kmspa

25 days ago

Strattera is the only medication for ADD/ADHD that I have tried that has been successful for my symptoms (combined with Prozac for my anxiety). The only downside is the side effects in the first few weeks. The exhaustion, nausea, constipation.

BUT it wasn’t hard for me to find ways around it. For the first few weeks I took it at night right before bed. That stopped the exhaustion and the nausea. Once I started noticing insomnia issues I switched it to when I woke up. The nausea lasts for about a week but the best thing I’ve found is to eat something high in protein. My go to is the premier protein shakes. I drink one of those with it and voila-no nausea! The nausea dies down after about a week or two and then that’s when I noticed the real improvement in my symptoms. Focus, clarity, impulsivity controlled, stopped binge eating because I was bored. It also helps me maintain a routine so I’m able to actually work out and meal plan/prep. And I think the benefits of those things has been huge in helping my symptoms the most.

oh, and for the constipation; just drink TONS of water.

Good luck!!

FYI, strattera can be an appetite suppressant which may cause weight loss. For me it did the opposite until my doc put me back on Prozac with it. My psych nurse practitioner was really wary until I made her get in contact with my doc and go over notes.

kmspa profile image
kmspa in reply to GatsbyCat

Hey! ^_^ that was my response and I still stand by it!

OP, what are the side effects you’re experiencing???

GatsbyCat profile image
GatsbyCat in reply to kmspa

Hello kmspa,

Yes it was! And notice- full credit given :-)

I was trying to help original poster- chumchummy with their question re; Strattera..

My ADHD med is Focalin. And, some of the side effects are dizziness, dehydration, and others.. But those two seem to be most pronounced affects at this time.

Since I take vitamin supplements of Omegas- Borage, Flax and something else, that stuff keeps me regular, so have not experienced either constipation or diareha... and hopefully will not have that symptom.

Luckily, I've been drinking LOTS of water- but for my excersize - didn't know that it also helped with the focalin side effects. Been switching my focalin to a meal time, but had just recently upped the dosage to 20mg. May change that to night time to not experience dizziness.. although I've not yet tried your suggestion of the premier protein shakes.. what is your brand of choice, if i may ask?

The original 10mg focalin did not give me dizziness.. Scheduled to see the doctor mid April and if it continues I may need to go back to that mg rather than the current 20.

Thank you for any advice.

drleo profile image
drleo

Hi Chumchummy - I think we can help.

We are a non-profit called ADHD Help. We are formed by a doctor and a counselor offering online one-on-one help to any parents of ADHD children or adults with ADHD.

We understand in the midst of this coronavirus situation, lots are looking for help as their children are out of school, and adults are working from home.

All consultations are free, and no financial return or endorsements are expected.

We offer a 4-week program, with 60 minute sessions per week to help you and your loved ones through the difficulties brought on by ADHD.

We can help assess, monitor and advise on strategies and treatments for ADHD. We also offer some CBT during our sessions.

Please visit ADHDhelpnonprofit.com for further information.

Thank you for your time!

Codybrownwise profile image
Codybrownwise

Don’t remember any side effects, but it didn’t help me at all.

ARgirl profile image
ARgirl

I recently stopped taking it after several months. Because I thought it was affecting my eyesight. My APRN has now referred me to get a formal diagnosis. I thought it wasn’t helping, but now I am struggling at work. ( I am learning a harder/more intense type of role) So I may start it back in the meantime. I don’t visit with the psychologist for another week.

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