Hi Everyone,
My 6 year old started Strattera for ADHD and ODD nearly 3 weeks ago. She seemed to be doing well , started on 10mg and then bumped up to 25mg. We were pretty happy and optimistic, b/c we could see little improvements: less impulsiveness, more happy, more carefee. She had stomach upset and fatigue the first day of each new dose, but nothing other than that. But 4 days ago, she starting doing things that have me a little upset. She has been compulsively picking at her eyelashes, convinced there are "sleepies" in them . Her eyes and lids are raw from all of the attention. She is twisting her hair. And though she was prone to bursts of real rage and anger before , twice she has hauled off and hit her sister in the face. Now, her doc said she had compulsive tendencies, and we knew this about her, but she has never had these kind of physical compulsions. I am so sad for her , and about all of this. Her outbursts do end more quickl than they used to, and she is able to articulate better about what is going on with her, and she is able to complete tasks and follow directions a little better. Has anyone experienced or heard of side effects from strattera or other meds like the ones I have described? Thanks in advance
Allison
My daughter started on the straterra with good results for a few weeks. Then complained of stomach pain and was always tired. Also her blood pressure was through the roof!! 7 years old and had a ready of a very out of shape 70 year old. They took her off it immediatly. She is now on concerta and doing excellent.yikes zenmommy! have you called the doc yet?Compulsive hair pulling has a name, it is called Trichotillomania & you can read about it here: http://www.trich.org/home/default.asp?FC=4528338
My son had a bunch of little ticks, constantly rubbing his face, swallowing air & then burping (no not the typical boy burping & laughing, he was very embarassed by it), a strange grunting noise when he ate, chewing his sleeves & collar. Ever since being on Straterra they have all gone away. Some meds work for some kids & some just aren't the right fit.
Hi Zennmommy, I am truely sorry to hear about the problems you are having. I have read on other posts where Strattera exacerbated or made appear tics. I don't know if pulling on eyelashes is considered a tic but it sounds like that to me. I would call your daughters physician as soon as possible as it sounds like she should be taken off this medication. Only my opinion since I am not a physician. Best wishes to your family. -Gettingagrip-Hey Zenmommy,
I know what you mean about the eyelashes thing! Holy cow, thought my kid was the only one! He's 12, and only seems to do it when he's on his meds. (He alternates between Adderall XR and Concerta) He's been dx'd adhd, but nothing else. He said something about having something in his eye one day and kept pulling and pulling till his entire eye was just about swollen shut from it! I mentioned it to his Dr, but he said that it might be a tic and that's about it. Incedentally, I've had him off his meds for almost 2 mos now, and no probs. Wonder how long I can keep him off? He hates taking them....
Spoke with the ped yesterday for my girl; it's always so hard to get them on the phone isn't it? Anyway...I am taking her monday for weight check, blood pressure and heart rate. He said that some meds can exascerbate already existing tendencies, like tics or compulsive movements. I feel like I am on this rollercoaster, and we're just exchanging new problems for old. By my scale, she's already lost four pounds in 3 weeks. She is better, but much more mellow, and I find myself missing her more animated self. Of course, I am probably being a sentimental mom, I don't think I'd feel this way if she started flying through the house , followed by a path of destruction once again....Thanks to all whp've replied, it is such a comfort knowing I am not alone.
Allison
Hi! My son (8 yrs) picked at his fingers until they bled when he was on adderal XR. It was like a compulsion. So definitely check with your doctor. Good luck!