We originally started an evening dose for 2 reasons. First, the pdoc Rxed to take Strattera before bed and around noon it would lose its effectiveness (he has impulsive type, so he would start acting out in the classroom after lunch and getting into trouble) Strattera is *supposed* to be an all day med, but varies based on metabolic rate, so we wanted to even out the levels of med in his system. Second, because of the stomach upset we wanted to cut the amount of meds he was getting at one time, so we just split the 40 mg in half.
When we increased to 43mg, we gave him the 25 in the morning so he has the highest concentration in his system during the school day when he needs it most. DS had comorbid depression and strattera helped with that, but he was still irritable and short tempered so we supplemented with a small dose of wellbutrin that he takes at night and that has worked out great.
AndreaFred, one of the major side effects of Strattera is mood swings. I encourage you to tell your son's doctor what you're observing (you might even want to keep a log of behaviors).My DS is 6 and is on Strattera (25mg am/18mg pm). Has anyone else stuck with Strattera despite the stomach irritation or found a way of preventing it?
Here's the background:
DS has complained of stomach irritation on and off since we started on Strattera, but that has been the only major side effect he's had. We generally give him a tums and it seems to resolve the issue, but I'd like to prevent it rather than treat it. He's been pretty consistent lately (usually will complain for a week straight, then not for a week or two) and it coincides with about 15-20 minutes after he takes his meds, so DH and I are convinced this is a real problem for him (he previously would fib about fingers, stomach, head, etc. hurting and stuff to stay up past bedtime, so we had to rule out the possibility that he heard the pdoc say this was a side effect and figured he could use that to stay up late). The pdoc suggested we wait and see and/or try peanut butter with meds, but DS does not care for PB, so that doesn't help too much and it hasn't gone away on its own.
We've seen some awesome improvement since he started meds in May of last year, going from 'visiting' the principal 2-3 times a week to not having been in her office once this year, so I am hesitant to pull him off and start trialing new meds if there is any other way to help DS feel better. Any and all suggestions are welcome and thanks in advance!
Thomas has been on Strattera for about a year now and will occasionally complain of stomach aches. With him I find that these days coincide with the days he doesnt eat much breakfast.
How does you son take his meds?.....is it before or after a meal? what does he drink with them, Thomas does much better with a glass of milk and a more "starchy" breakfast (toast, oatmeal, cereal) than anything else.
Good Luck
I agree, give it with food. My son has just started Strattera, and I already found if he takes it without food he complains of a stomach ache. This kid has an iron gut, never got stomach aches with stims. I now give it in the middle or right after breakfast, or at night with a snack, and no problems.Nathaniel's not a big breakfast kid, usually just a piece of fruit and a drink. DH does mornings, but I'll definitely get him to try the milk and more starchy foods. I bet he'd eat pancakes... :) thanks![QUOTE=graciepoints]Nathaniel's not a big breakfast kid, usually just a piece of fruit and a drink. DH does mornings, but I'll definitely get him to try the milk and more starchy foods. I bet he'd eat pancakes... :) thanks![/QUOTE]
Thats probably the problem right there....he needs something to "coat" his stomach to lessen the harshness of the meds.....Even if you have to give him a "non-breakfast" food to get him to eat in the am, it'll be better for him.
I always keep toaster waffles on hand for when we're in a time crunch(just a suggestion)...if he doesnt care for waffles, they have toaster pancakes and french toast too
Good luck