Concerta or strattera | ADHD Information

Hi, I have a 5 year old who is taking Concerta.  I'm so nervous about him taking it because of the "harmful" things in it.  His doctor said that strattera takes alot longer to do what Concerta does in one pill.

Has anyone had their child on one then switched to another?  And if so how long does strattera take to work. 

Does this make since?  Sorry.  I'm new at this and it's a bit overwhelming.  I want what's best for him, but I guess I feel guilty giving him a drug.  I don't have much support from friends (they all think drugging him is aweful).  The Concerta is helping him in school (we are on the lowest dose right now). 

Any advice or suggestions are welcome.

Tammy 

Tammy,

I have 2 children diagnosed with ADHD.  They both started on concerta and I have changed them both to straterra. 

My oldest was diagnosed in April of this year and horrible side effects.  I know each child is different.  We started her on concerta She was extremely moody, did not want to eat anything, was not a pleasure to be around at all.  We kept her on it for 3 weeks and switched to straterra.  Everything has been good since.

My youngest has been on concerta for 4 weeks now and are switching to straterra.  She has lost too much weight, and she has been like a zombie while on the medicine. 

I think the straterra took about 2 to 3 weeks to see a difference in my oldest child, but it was worth not having the side effects that we did with the concerta.

I hope I have helped.

Lora

Hi Lora,

 

Thank you for answering.  It sounds like what my child is going through.  He has bad mood swings and is more definate and smart mouth when he's on the concerta. He's also had really bad stomach pains that was suppose to go away the first week, but they haven't.

I think since Christmas break is coimg up I want to talk with the doctor about maybe trying straterra.

Thanks so much for your imput.

Tammy

Hi Tammy,

What "harmful things" are you refering to in the medicine? I think we all go through some guilt...my sister is a teacher that deals with ADHD children...and refuses to believe my daughter (her niece) really has it and can't believe I am medicating her....but you have to know you are doing the best thing for your child.  Read some of the other posts!

My daughter (she is 11) had no side effects on Concerta (except for it not lasting long enough). My friend put her son on Strattera and he had a terrible reaction to it!  I'm not trying to confuse you...just making sure you are aware that every child is different!!  So speak with your doc about what the best options are for your son!

I'm a single mom going through this alone...I know how hard it is...i'm so frustrated most days....so hang in there!

-staci

 

Hi Staci,

you wrote that:

My daughter (she is 11) had no side effects on Concerta (except for it not lasting long enough).

My daughter is also almost 11 and is on 36mg. concerta. It seems to be working with her inattention but it also on certain days does not seem to last long enough. It is when she has a lot of homework or an activity afterschool that she still needs something more. Has anyone found a solution to this problem like a small does of ritalin after school say, 5 mg.?

malliesmom38303.7898726852

Tammy,

My little 43lb boy is thriving now that he's on strattera.  It took about 3 weeks but it was worth it.  He eats again and best of all he is happy.  When he was on the adderall, I didn't recognize him.  Listen, I struggled with giving him medicine.  You need to ask yourself, Does he do better in school with meds.  I am a teacher and I will tell you that your child spends more time with her than anyone else during the week.  Ask her every day how he is until you are comfortable.  4 weeks ago I was sick to my stomache but now I know he can socialize with his classmates and FOCUS.  Hang in there.  You can always E-mail me.  I know what you're feeling. 

Carrie

My husband has taken strattera for 3 1/2 weeks and raved about it.   He said his quailty of work was better, more patients, and happier.  But, he has had 2 "fits of rage" that has made him decide not to take it any more.  This has happened this week.

My daughter has a doctor appintment this week for inattn ADD we were going to push the strattera untill he had these 2 problems.  It really confussed us.  But hearing you experience with it has helped.  I think it is a good medication for ADD  just not for my husband he may try another.    

My daughter is in 4th grade and barly passing w/504 modification.  You can find so much bad information on the internet about medications it scares you to death but if your child can not function on her age level you want so despritely to help any way you can.  I still think Strattera is the way we should try to go to begin with for her. 

(excuse my spelling)