2nd day on Strattera | ADHD Information

just a dad

I CAN relate.  We have not used strattera, only ritalin, but I  can remember how it made me feel to see the negative effects of it on my child.    And to make matters worse, the medication wore off around the time my son came home every day, so we still had major behavior problems at home.  My son will be repeating first grade this year. I agree that you should deffinately talk with your doctor about the effects that the medication is having on your child.  I am still seeking answers about meds myself.  Sometimes it feels like a no win situation, but I continue to pray about it. 

The first day my son started on Straterra he slept most of the day away & complained that his stomach hurt.  After that he has been fine.  He actually prefers it to Adderall, says he feels more like himself, & less like he is medicated.  I understand that for some people it can take 2-3 days for the body to adjust. 

Good luck.

Thank you all for your responses. I'm willing to wait and see how he adjusts. I'm just very new to all this, and trying to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

 

Sometimes experience is the only teacher that is available.

[QUOTE=Beena]Sometimes experience is the only teacher that is available.[/QUOTE]

 

Hard but true.  We have been trying to find the "right" combination for 1 year, & every time I think we are on to something, he or it changes.  <sigh> We just need to be strong, & our childrens advocate.

That is the thing about it.  EVERYTHING changes, even if we find the answers, the problems can change.  For instance, we made a move from one state to another, and the problems we were having in the old school, were different from the problems in our new one.  I think that because things around us never stop changing, we don't either.  In my son's case, a big factor was his teacher, and another was the 'system' that the old school used for discipline.  So we sill have problems, but they are now different ones.

I have 2 kids on Strattera.  My son, 5 years old takes 25 mg in the morning and my daughter, 6 years old takes 18 mg in the morning.My son didnt have any oddball side effects.  My daughter on the other hand was very emotional and depressed for about the first week or so.  Once her body got used to it she was better.  She still is pretty emotional, but she is also a girl....

I think if uncomfortable side effects last more than a week, I would give the doctor a jingle to see what their stand is on it. 

Also remember that you know your child best.  And a lot of trial and error may be needed to find the right med for your child.  Hang in there

Good Luck

 My son was just recently diagnosed with ADHD, but we've known for a while. His is 6 1/2 years old, and weighs around 50lbs.

He had his first does of Strattera yesterday, and while he was calmer, and more focused, I feel I've lost the son I knew for 6 years. All his emotions seem muted, and that little spark he had is gone.

He ate a little less, was was tired, but wasn't sick to his stomach.

He starts 1st grade in Sept., and feel he needs something to help him with his ADHD, or he start slipping academically, and be in constant trouble.

MY question is this: Does this zombie effect lessen as the body gets use to the medication?

Thanks

 

 

Hi Justadad.......I cant advise you about straterra as it is a fairly new drug and also, my experience is with use of stimulant medications. I do know that Straterra medication could take up to 6 weeks to be totally effective as its a ramp effect. Perhaps their are posters here that have their child on straterra that could share information with you.  However, if your child is exhibiting undesirable symptoms, its best to contact your doctor immediatey as he woul be most qualified to determine what the next course of action should be. Good luck and keep us posted.We started Cam on Ritalin about two months ago now.  He is ten yrs old.  At first he complained of a sore stomach, loss of apetite, hard time falling asleep at night.  But it took about a month and those side effects have gotten alot better.  I was leary at first about the medication but we have noticed improvements.  WE also started Zoloft about a week ago for his depression and anxieties.  He has a terrible phobia of hornets...so bad that he refuses to go outside during the day.  His spirits seem to have lifted and he is managing a little bit at a time outside.  I feel we are off in the right direction for Cam. 

hi.  My son is on his 4th week of Strattera and it took about 3 weeks to kick in. I also have to thank HappyGirl for telling me about splitting the dosage. I asked the doctor about it and he said I could do that - there's less tiredness and stomach problems that way.   The summer is a good time to try this med because it does take a while to work.  My son was on Concerta, which definately calmed him down, but the side effects were no appetite, problems sleeping, and unsociable.  He's much better on the Strattera in all three areas.  Good luck to you and I hope it works for your son.  As I said, give it a good month before you judge this medication - and maybe your doctor will think it's a good idea to split the dose...............................................dara

ps.....have him take it right after a meal to help prevent a tummy ache

Well, it's day 4, and things seem a little better. He's not as tired, and is a little more like himself! I think it may be work, but his next dose is stepped up to 25 mg, I'm not sure what that is going to do.

 

BTW: this is a great site, a lot of support! Thanks