Strattera Problem | ADHD Information

I'm glad to help where I can.  Also rest assured I'm not pro-med just pro-help.  I never got the help as a kid and what I do makes me feel like I'm making a difference.  Only those of us who survived as either a kid with undiagnosed ADHD or the parents who didn't put us up for adoption can truly know how this feels.

If you need any additional advice don't hesitate to ask.

 

I read adhd meds are best taken with foods except with caffeine or citrus lesson absorbtion rate. I also read try ER   this way even a high dose only cause the body takes it in as needed thru out the day. Also it suggested dinner after medacine is worn off. This also suppose to help lesson side effects. It also said can do meds at bed time instead. Found this on how to lesson adhd side effects.

Remember some with adhd could have another disorder with it also.

We had great luck with sticking the pill/capsule in a spoon full of apple
sauce. But, don't open the capsule. It only took a couple of tries and he got
it. Once he figured that out, it only took a couple fo weeks and now he's
able to swallow it was a glass of water. Oh..and he's only 6. Just an idea. I am having a really hard time getting my 5 year old to take Strattera.  It is only available in capsule form and he gags as soon as it hits his tongue.  When I searched the internet and read about it, they say not to break the capsules open and put in food and this is the only way I know to get it in him.  Does anyone know if there is a similar medication that is available in liquid form?  We have a doc appt coming up but I wanted to know a little about it before we go.We haven't had any problems with side effects, we are just having a problem getting him to take it in capsule form.  They say DO NOT break capsules open and put in food and I just want to know what the reason is for this.  Everything I have read doesn't say anything about it being an extended release medication so I don't see any reason why it can't be opened up and mixed in food to get it down his throat.  We have tried everything we know to do to get it down whole, nothing works and I hate to be so blunt but he vomits everytime.  I have been breaking them open and mixing it in with yogurt, pudding, oatmeal, etc. so he never knows it is in there.  We are very satisfied with the difference Strattera has made in him and don't want to have to change to a different med. But if they can't be opened and put in food, we have no choice but to change.

aelliot - youngsters having trouble getting capsules/pills down is a common issue.  Do a google search for help getting kids to take pills and there are many how-to articles on there.  I've heard that a dab of peanut butter helps.  Also practice with something like candy (m&ms, nibs, etc.) helps the child understand how to swallow with little effort.  Mostly what I've heard is it takes practice.

Stratterra is for most the last pill to try for ADHD.  Ask your doctor about the alternatives such as ritalin or focalin, etc.  There are over a dozen varieties and many have small pills.  There is even a liquid type but I don't know the name.

 

We have to go with a non-stimulant due to the fact that he has a mood disorder.  We have emotional problems along with the ADHD and the doctor says that a stimulant med may cause the emotional problems to get worse.

My opinion for you is to get a second opinion.  They now can use stimulants together with other meds for mood disorders quite successfully and at younger ages.  There are also new meds like focalin that don't have the negative side effects.  Perhaps ask your MD to get another referral to a doc that is up to date with the newest data.  It's your child's well-being and it's very much worth the extra visit.  If you still don't feel safe then you don't have to change.

 

Thank you so much for the help.

I have had experience with using strattera in peanut butter.

The main issue with openning the capsul is that the medicine is an irritant.

You can read a full article on this here:

http://addadhdblog.com/strattera-my-son-cant-swallow-the-pil l/

I hope this helps.

Kenny

(We have to go with a non-stimulant due to the fact that he has a mood disorder.  We have emotional problems along with the ADHD and the doctor says that a stimulant med may cause the emotional problems to get worse)

You could always put the Strattera in applesauce or pudding and have him swallow it that way? How long have you been using it? What dosage?( not that it matters, all Strattera capsules are the same size.)

If he has an unstabilized mood disorder I would NOT let him miss doses, and please do not break it open or crush it, it IS time released and this could be dangerous.

 

 

Hi,
Regarding practicing swallowing - I suggest trying it with a tic tac or a similar small candy that your child likes.
I know this is a really tough issue, and I wrote an article which addresses not being able to swallow strattera specifically. You can view it here: swallow strattera
Kenny
search the FDA website for the "Material Handling" data sheet and you will read that it "should not be crushed"  If it comes in contact with with the eyes it can cause permanent damage or blindness.aelliott,

You may want to try starting with a very small vitamin (whatever is safe for him to take) and sit down when you have all the time in the world and work with him at it until he can swallow the real small one.  Even if he has to spit it out 20 times before he can swallow it.  Maybe a thicker substance like chocolate milk would help at first.  Once he's gotten the real small vitamin, gradually get bigger until he can get the STrattera.  Don't give up on it.  His gag reflex will relax with practice.  Once he can swallow a pill you'll find life much easier as he gets older and has to perhaps take anyother kinds of vitamins or pills that require swallowing.  This is what i did with my son and he can now swallow a horse pill!