My dd was recently put on Strattera in addition to already being on Concerta for reasons I won't take the time to detail. She was also pretty tired the first several days on it, but eventually got over it. We started at 18 mg and are now at 36 mg which is a little onthe low side for her weight, but figure that's ok because she is also on the Concerta. I find that even though she has been on the Concerta for 2 years now, about the time it kicks in, she tends to seek activities such as puzzles, computer, and books, acitvities she avoids when she is off meds.
She really does enjoy these activites, however, so this has been no concern and we are glad she has found some quiet activities to occupy time when not playing with friends. She still wants to and asks to play with friends and when with them, tends to enjoy her usual outdoor activities such as basketball, soccer, swimming, bicycling, etc.
Why was she started at 18 mg? She should have been started at 10 and ramped slowly to her target dose. What is her weight? It is possible she has been started off too high, Strat has to be ramped to avoid side effects. Is she seeing a Psych or a pediatrician? Strattera is dosed very strictly by weight, not by symptoms like stims. edbson39317.4608912037I'm sure edbson is right. Depending on her weight she may have needed to start at ten mg. You should check the Medication board. I am pretty sure that fatigue is a typical side effect while ramping up. Then most of the side effects go away once you are at the target dose for four weeks.
At 57 lbs her target dose will be between 30-45 mgs. Strat has to be ramped, and yes I would call and ask for the ramping starter pack. It will have 10, 18 and 25 mgs in it. ( the drug companies give these to Dr's because it has to be ramped). It will take 4-6 weeks after reaching target dose to see full effects, but I think she was just started too high.Thank You all for your input. I really appreciate it. My daughter weighs around 57 pounds I think. They did weigh her and look up the dosage before it was perscribed. She see's her regular pediatrition. She has absolutely no personality when I give her the meds. Her usually yelling has turned into almost a wisper. She does stay out of trouble though. I would like her to get some of her personality back before she starts school next week. Should I call and ask for a lower dose?
Thanks for the info. She was much better today but I am still going to call tommorow.My daughter took her 1st strattera this morning and she has become very withdrawn. She doesn't want to get up an play. All she wants to do is watch TV and look at books (which she doesn't normally do). Should I take her off it or is this normal? She's taking 18mg.
Anyone have any experiance with this? I am really nervous seeing her like this. The concerta did the same thing and thats why I switched her to the Strattera.
Thanks
10 mg is the lowest available dose of Strat.
It generally takes 4-6 weeks AFTER reachint the target dose to see full effetcs. What is her target dose? What is her weight?
How is she dong? My DD just started Strattera, she also started out at 18 mg due to her weight, in fact my dr told us that was the lowest dose? We have recently ramped up to the 25 mg but it doesnt seem to be working.