We gave Ritalin LA 20mg about 8 months. (He was on a generic Ritalin prior to this). No go! In the last 6 weeks, doc tapered my son from Ritalin and started Eye Q supplements. (Omega fatty acids etc).

I had so much hope that this supplement would work on its own. After 2 phone calls from his teacher and a threat of "we can't teach him", as well as a rapid deterioration at home, the decision was taken to start my son on Strattera.

I am paying for this out of my pocket each month. I am not quite sure where I will find the money but if it will make my son's life easier, I will beg and borrow.

He took his first Strattera of 10mg at 3.30pm this afternoon. Within the hour he was fast asleep!!!! I couldn't wake him for a while but eventually at 6pm I got him awake. He still had homework to do! He attempted a bit but really wasn't feeling well (very subdued too).

I have decided to keep him out of school tomorrow. To feel side-effects this intensely will not be easy at school. I telephoned his teacher as he as tests tomorrow but she said it would be ok. Poor little guy - it has been a long time since he has been so quiet!

I am now holding thumbs and toes and everything else that Strattera is going to work for him!

He deserves relief!!! (And me too, I guess!)