Strattera prescribed | ADHD Information

Thank you for the comments.  Hello.  I am new here.  I have a lot of questions; however, I will try to start small.

Went to a new doctor the other day.  After about 10 minutes (at the most) of questions, this doctor determined that I have ADD and prescribed Strattera.  Granted, my whole life, I have been one of those people who just can't start and finish "a thing" very well.  I am a person who has never done well with "time" . . . to the point, that it's a joke among all of my friends.  Good-natured joke, most of the time, I think. 

Here's the problem.  Time management inadequacies definitely run in my family.  My father and mother sort of bequeathed this trait on me.  Having a hard time making decisions, getting things started and finished, and being on time--these are my weaknesses.  My strengths--I think of myself as fairly bright, creative, and capable; I am determined to do a good job most, if not all of the time (overachiever); being an avid exerciser, although it can tire me, does seem to focus and relax me--enabling me to do more in the long run.  Plus, exercise lifts the mood, steering me fairly clear of the doldrums.

I took one dose of Strattera two days ago (1st week - 25mg/day; 2nd week - 40 mg/day; 3rd and 4th weeks - 60 mg/day).  My reactions after this first dose:  some focus, some tingly scalp, imperturbability after 3-4 hours of taking the medicine . . . then, exaggerated sleepiness and slight difficulty with urination, burning eyes, some sinus pressure.  Normally, I would run or work out.  Instead, I had to sleep--no choice in the matter.

My concern . . . I have been this way my whole life . . . the time thing and all.  A drug of any sort is scary to me.  I felt the effects of Strattera fairly dramatically and within a short period of time.  Sluggishness followed me throughout most of the following day. I did not take my second dose at night, as the doctor's office counseled me after I told them of my first day experiences.  I discontinued the medication just to see how quickly I would feel myself again.  Today, two days post Day 1 of Strattera, I feel like myself, thinking as I normally would, begrudging getting things done . . . with normal energy and my normal thought processes.

I don't want to become a different person on Strattera.  I've been this person for 34 years.  I just want to be less anxiety-prone when it comes to getting a job done on time or being on time.  I want to be able to "see the forest through the trees," so to speak.  I  do want to sort out my life with some effective psychological counseling.  I was not offered this by this new doctor.  A pill in and of itself does not seem the best route to take, in my opinion.  I think that some behavioral and cognitive modification needs to be visited.  Your thoughts?

Starting small on this post did not work.  I do apologize.  Can't take the time to revise now.   Good day!



 
ADHD cannot be determined in 10 minutes, find a new dr.

You also have to stick it out with Strattera and take exactly as prescribed. It builds in your system and takes several weeks. It can cause drowsiness which is why many docs split the dose or have it taken at night for starters. Find a ggod therapist who can work with you on the behavioral management pieces and you're right the pill doesnt "cure", it is a tool to help the compensatory tools. Good luck.

Hi there,

 I have been taking strattera for two years.  I did fine on 40mg.  I was able to focus for the first time in my life.  Then my doctor tried to up my dose to 80mg.  I couldn't stand the side effects.  I was sleepy all the time and my anxiety was really high.  Also I was really sick to my stomach.  I went back down to 40mg.  I eat something before and after taking the pill and I don't feel sick to my stomach. 

Maybe you increased your dosage too fast.  I tend to be on the senstive side where drugs are concerned.  So I don't like to increase any medicine too quickly.  Maybe you should try the 40mg for a couple of months and see how you do. 

I fought having to take any medication for years.  I didn't want to change who I was.  I have changed my personality some with strattera.  And I have had to learn how to coordinate my thoughts and speech together. 

Good luck trying to find the right medicine and the right dose,

Anika