new here and looking for advice | ADHD Information

bumpFirst a bit of background. I'm 37, married with 2 sons and work full time.

I was diagnosed about a year ago with inattentive type ADD. Started on Ritalin and it initially worked great, except that I could never remember to take it, so I switched to Ritalin SR. After about 4 months, it started to taper off in effectiveness. After struggling with it for a few months, I went back to the dr. and she put me on 40 mg of Strattera daily. I started it about a month ago and it has been a total nightmare.

First off, it makes me soooooo tired I'm afraid of falling asleep at my desk. I know that's a common side effect, but I thought it would disappear after a couple of weeks, but it hasn't. Then there are the mood swings. I have turned into a total Jekyll and Hyde. My family is ready to disown me. I'm frequently anger and snap over the tiniest little thing. Strattera is supposed to help with depression and I feel more depressed than ever.

I know from everything I've read that it can take a while to get the dosage right with Strattera, but I honestly don't know how long I can stick with this. I don't know if this dose is too high or too low, or Strattera just isn't right for me. After doing some research I started taking a good multi-vitamin and l-tyrosine supplements to see if that would help, but it doesn't seem to be making a difference.

Anyone have a similar experience? Any suggestions on how I proceed? My dr. has very limited experience with adult ADD. I don't know if I should be sticking with it or getting off of it. If I go off of it, what else can I try?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Kristin

I would have a hard time continuing the Straterra with those side effects.  I did also try it for about a month with bad side effects.   The side effects I experienced were loss of apetite and diareah.  It didn't help me a bit.  I just knew that enough was enough.  I now take Adderall which works very well for me.

I think you need to decide if you can handle a few more weeks of the Straterra to see if the side effects will go away.  You should know for sure by 6 weeks. 

Personally I would gradually go off of it and give Adderall a try. After all, the stimulant meds. worked well for you before.

Good luck

Strattera wasn't bad for me.  Made me really sleepy too.  No icky side effects tho.  Ask doc if you can take it in the evening.  It's suppose to be time released and I know some people who take it that way. doc switched me to Adderall, Wellbutrin combo and it works better for me.  

i am just posting all over today!!!'

i am a 34 mom of 3, home day care provider, INSANE!!!

I have been on Strattera, for depression, and like everyhting else i was on, it didnt work, i was misdiagnosed w/depression and i have ADD/Inattentive. So i have been surprised reading some of the posts because alot of people with ADHD etc. are on Straterra or say Concerta, both i was on at different times, for depression, and to see they also give it for the ADHD and ADD surprised me, so all i can say is it didnt do a thing for me, and i am now on Adderall 20 mg twice a day, and altho i get so tierd when it wares off, it is helping me alot and i am very happy with it, good luck!

christi