New to Medication

[Sarah]

Hi,

I posted last week about having an appointment to go to my doctor to talk about my suspected ADD. It went well and he put me on Strattera. Today was my first day taking it and I feel a little weird. I think "buzzed" would be a good way to describe it. This morning it was really strong and now its better but I still feel uber alert. Is this normal? Straterra isn't supposed to be a stimulant like adderall or ritalin. Do you get use to the drugs after a few days of taking them so you don't feel weird? I'm obviously going to give them a few days or weeks but I just wanted to see if anyone else felt this way.

Thanks,
Sarah

[Becky]

Hi Sarah, Sorry it took so long for anyone to reply. I moved last week and I just got the internet here at the new house yesterday so I feel like I am totally out of it!!

I never tried Strattera, but friends of mine have and some have that same feeling. I guess it takes a few weeks to build up in your system so it is not like all of a sudden you feel better, you just notice it one day, or so I have heard.

How are you feel now that you have been on it for a week? Any headaches or anything like that? From what I hear either people love it or hate it. I never tried it b/c I like what I have.

Becky

[Sarah]

No problem about the reply. I hope the move went well. That buzzed feeling only lasted for a day or so. I think I like the medication so far. It's hard to tell though. I've felt tired this week and had a few headaches but who knows if that's a result of the medication or just life. I'm going back to the doctor in a month to see how things are going so I think I'll just keep up with it until then and see how I feel. Thanks for creating this forum! It's been really helpful.

Sarah

[monnycue]

Hi Sarah!

I just started Strattera two weeks ago and have also felt the 'weirdness' to which you refer. For some strange reason, It also makes me feel like I've taken sinus medication, the daytime formula. I'm not sure why it has that effect when it's a non-stimulant.

I was wondering how you've been feeling emotionally? I have noticed some fits of anger in myself. Perhaps it's just PMS? I was wondering if you'd noticed anything like that. I've also had periods of being really tired, but not sure if it's related to the medication.

How is it working for you? Have you noticed any difference? Have you had any other side effects? I'm really interested to know how you're making out with it.

Thanks!
Monique

[Sarah]

That's so funny about the clear sinuses. I feel the same way. I chalked it up to more mental clarity but maybe it does have some effect on your nose. It's especially noticable since it's allergy season.

I think the medicine is working well. I've been on it for exactly two weeks today. I don't have the wierd feeling anymore and all the headaches I had last week are gone. I haven't noticed more moodiness, in fact I think that I'm a lot happier. Things are getting done at work, I finally have something to explain all the mess-ups in my past and I think more clearly. I don't think the medicine is totally responsible because I've been incoporating other organizing techniques into my life, but I do think it helps me remeber to be more organized and stay on task. Of course, I haven't changed completely, but I've notice a marked improvement and figure I'll never be perfectly normal. Thanks for posting!

Sarah

[pchefteri]

Monnycue,
My son had the same problem on Straterra. He became very angry and agitated. He even began to claw his face (he's 9). We had to stop it b/c it got so bad it scared me. Like someone said, it appears that Straterra is either a miracle drug or a nightmare, depending on who you ask.

good luck!
Teri

[monnycue]

Teri,

Thanks for sharing that! Geez, I hope that's not what's going on with me! I'm hoping it's just an adjustment and is only happening because of PMS. I am getting a little concerned because it's pretty powerful even though it's in short intervals. I think I'll give it another couple of weeks and see if it gets any better.

How long was your son on it when the anger started?

Thanks again for your input!

Monique

[EJ]

I have tried Wellbutrin and Dexadrine and although Strat. doesnt give me headaches or night sweats, it still is SO speedy.

I am on my 5th day of Strattera and I dont know if I can or want to hang in there for another two weeks.

Has anyone tried using an antidepressant in place of a stimulant?

[dan1191]

I've been on strattera for about ten days. Still don't notice much of a change, except for the seventh day, I was able to actually finish a project (putting together photo collages) which took ALL day Monday, but I stuck to it, and finished it!! I am hoping and praying that this strattera will work, cause I have so many bills to pay, enough $$ to pay them, but I just can't seem to actually pay them. They are scattered all over the place, some were due yesterday, and our credit is being ruined!! Did anyone else out there notice their ADD getting worse as they got older? Mine definetly did. Nancy

[dan1191]

EJ, in response to your question re: antidepressants,
I've been on celexa for depression for 3 years. Did absolutely nothing for my ADD.