My doctor put me on Strattera a little less than a year ago because the stimulant meds I took as a kid had side effects that I hoped to avoid (insomnia, extremely low weight, dry mouth, OCD tendencies) which were completely eliminated when meds were discontinued.
At first, Strattera seemed like a miracle. It settled me down and mellowed me out. This allowed my mind to be able to decide what was worth thinking about and what wasn't (that's the easiest way to describe it). I also developed kind of an "oh well" attitude, whereas I am usually a huge worrywart. My chattiness was curbed and I could stay on topic in conversations.
About 4 months into it though, I had lost 15 pounds due to lack of interest in food. Unfortunately, I had lost interest in just about EVERYTHING but sleeping. I was tired ALL THE TIME. I woke up in the morning looking forward to getting home from work to sleep. And that's what I'd do...walk in the door, put my stuff down and crash on the couch. I started to really worry that I might be sick.
I decided to quit Strattera. It took about 2 or 3 weeks for my energy to return 100%. I went to my doctor this week and told him and he said that it was clear Strattera was not for me and put me on Adderall.
This is day 4 and the first non work day that I have taken it. I have noticed muscle tightness, dry mouth, lack of any appetite and sensitivity to sudden noises or movements (ex: my assistant burst through the door of the classroom kind of quickly yesterday while I was typing an email and I nearly jumped out of my seat).
I have also noticed that I seem to want things to go MY way. I decide to do something and, by golly, it had better get done THEN and the way I want it to be done! And no dilly dallying either...hop to it already. (I realize this makes me seem like a total b****). I am definitely focused on individual tasks. One thing it does not seem to help though, is my chattiness, which I wish it would.
I take it at 9 or 10 am and I definitely feel it wear off at just about exactly 6 hours...it seems pretty sudden. I immediately get physically tired and want a nap, but by then, my brain is not tired...just my body. I also get emotionally sensitive when it wears off.
Long post, I know... Can I expect any changes or improvements in concentration past these first days or is this pretty much it?
you might want to try the xl or split your dose up, just keep up the trial and error until you get it right, and never give up!pureofheart - the side effects will thin out or disappear in the first month, maybe 3. Most find that they are a bit jumpy - it's not like we are used to hearing people come in or the other sensory info around us. All part of focus. The weight loss goes away fast (that's why our meds aren't used for weight loss anymore they don't do that well). Dry mouth is usually because it's a diuretic and you need to increase your water intake by at least a couple more glasses of water a day - more if you are a coffee/tea/pop drinker.
Focus/attention may improve - but you MUST get therapy as well!! You've been pulled around by ADHD since about age 5 - you have to learn simple tools for life that you missed there. So please get a good therapist in ADHD who knows how to administer Cognitive Behavior Therapy. It's a great way to learn.
Best of luck! I found Stratterra a dead end too - felt like being dragged in mud.
Today is my first day off stratera and on 60mg adderall xl. Felt really good all day, no highs and lows was really nice too. Its about midnight now and I feel like I should, sleepy, but not really foggy headed....haft to see how I fair on monday with a "regular" day.