My 12 yo DS with ADHHHHHD (he is very hyper)has been on Concerta for a number of years with great results. THis school year we added Strattera because he was having trouble concentrating (more so than in past years) after school for homework and sports. The doc didn't want to up his Concerta because he already has trouble sleeping (he only takes 36 mg). He is on 40 mg of Strattera at night (she thought it would help make him sleepy - it hasn't). He weighs around 83 lbs. THe doc had hoped to eventually take him off of the Concerta. He has been at is target dose for about 6 weeks and I'm not seeing much of a difference. Maybe it helps a little in the morining with him being a little more focused but I'm just not sure. For the last several weekends I have not given him his Concerta and it is clear that the Strattera isn't helping with hyperactivity (or at least not enough to make a much of a difference). He can definitely notice the difference and has actually asked to take the Concerta on the weekends if he has any school work to do and he often asks me why he feels so hyper. So, my question is should I ask the doc about raising the dose (I don't think he is at the max for his weight)? Does Strattera help with hyperactivity? I know some people take Concerta and Strattera - why take 2 meds? What is the Strattera helping with. If I saw that he was definitely more focused in the evening then maybe I could understand taking both meds but I don't want to keep him on something that doesn't work. I was really hoping the Strattera would help because I think he may have some anxiety issues and I'd like to get him off of the Concerta.
Thanks for your input!
Greyhoundmom0339434.3309027778My daughter is 82 pounds, 36 mg is not enough Strattera. She is on 54mg. 36 in the a.m. and 18mg after school, her doc says call me if it's not working and we'll go to 60 mg, 30 am and 30 pm. I am staying here for now, then when she gains a little weight (her appetite is back) we can go to the 60.
His target is 45-65 mgs( 37 Kilo'sX 1.2-1.8 mgs), so No he is not even at target at 36 mgs.That few mgs makes a huge difference. I would have the Psych raise it slowly. The Strat helps with moods, and some hyperactivity and focus, and the concerta helps with impulsivity and focus, so they do "cover " each other.
You aren't actually going to see good results until he is at target for a few weeks.
edbson39434.3119444444Thanks for your input.
He is currently on 40mg Strattera and we are going to increase it to 50mg. According to a different doc that I talked with, the Strattera probably won't be enough for the hyperactivity so we will probably have to stay on the 36mg of Concerta for school. I wish it would help with the hyperness at least some so we could take a break from the Concerta during the summer, holidays and weekends. Oh well, I'm just thankful that the Concerta works for us for his hyperactivity. He can tell a difference and will ask to take the concerta on the weekends when I offer to give him a day off. He doesn'e like the hyper feeling.
you never know, see how he does on the correct Strattera dose. It may be enough for weekends. Or maybe you can lower the Concerta dose.