I'm on Strattera, again, after being on Strattera (high dose) and having awful side-effects, then on Concerta for a while before going back on a lower dosage of the Strattera.
The Concerta didn't seem to have as much effect on controlling the ADHD as Strattera did. Now, my agitation is pronouncedly less, as well as my "follow-through" and ability to remember little things.
The cons are that the Strattera has impacted my sleep cycle... I used to be a very sound sleeper, but now I sleep so lightly that I often wake up several times an evening. Which makes for a looong week, so I try to catch up on the weekends.
Additionally, it *does* have sexual side-effects. Although I wish they were more like the Concerta, Lexapro, and Zoloft (all of which I've been on at some point) -- where the effect was predictable. The Strattera's impact doesn't seem to be as predictable to me.
Warning -- the following may be "too much information" for some people, but if no one talks about it, no one knows...
What is has done is "disconnect" ejaculation from orgasm, as well as decrease the "responsiveness" of the hydraulics. What the first means is that I will often notice that I've got a wet-spot in my pants w/o any of the normally accompanying pleasurable pre-cursor feelings :) And the latter means that things take just a skosh longer to come up and go away.
I'm male, 32, and take 40mg of Strattera in the mornings.
My son is 16, diagnosed with ADHD 2 years ago, on concerta for 1 and 1/2 years, is switching to strattera now because concerta doesn't help much and the side effects. Anybody want to share their experiences with me?
Hi Rachel,
I can share the change from Concerta to Strattera as it impacted my 9 year old son. But I'm not sure that it will be the same for a 16 year old past puberty.
My guy was having trouble eating and sleeping on Concerta. It helped him to focus but he was also tended to be more emotional on Concerta.
The change to Strattera took about two weeks and it took us another 4 weeks to obtain the right dosage. He takes it in the morning before he goes to school and by dinner time you can tell that its worn off. The doctors on the other hand will swear that its still in his system but they don't see the motor mouth, impulsiveness in the evening.
Since on strattera, he has gained weight, and height and is sleeping. He does get agitated in the afternoons but we were seeing that on Concerta as well.
I've read that Strattera may have some sexual side effects which may impact your son's predispostion with his 'longer showers' and recent need to keep his bedroom door closed for his personal privacy.
You may want to split does depending upon how tired he gets immediately after taking Strattera and also timing doses so that he is able to focus on the evening's homework and sleep as well.
Hope that helps.
Paul