[vstar650]

My husband was diagnosed with ADHD 2 years ago and has been taking Strattera. He has been very mentally abusive to me and it turned physical a few times before he started the meds. His angry has been better but not completely to what I would like it to be. He has horrible dreams. Crying and screaming in his sleep everynight. He has decided to quit taking his meds. Today is the second day. Please give me advice on what is going to happen. I left him a few times due to his temper. We have been married for 36 years.

[sarek]

My advice, dont give up on the meds and change them if necessary. I don't know what is normal with Strattera, but I would say if it causes this kind of behaviour it is most likely not the correct med.

There is a wide range of different meds that can be used with ADHD. Most common are meds like Adderall, Ritalin or Vyvanse but there are many others that can be used.
A lot depends on the actual dx and possible comorbidities.

Has your husband begun exhibiting this behaviour since was given the Strattera or was some of it apparent before(of course excepting the normal things you can expect from ADHD)?
If so, it could be advisable to see if there is not something else going on as well. ADHD very seldom travels alone and often comes with comorbidities like depression, anxiety and others.

[kikki27]

Originally Posted by vstar650

My husband was diagnosed with ADHD 2 years ago and has been taking Strattera. He has been very mentally abusive to me and it turned physical a few times before he started the meds. His angry has been better but not completely to what I would like it to be. He has horrible dreams. Crying and screaming in his sleep everynight. He has decided to quit taking his meds. Today is the second day. Please give me advice on what is going to happen. I left him a few times due to his temper. We have been married for 36 years.

Wow thats a toughone I know I couldnot take this stress and I would leave In a heart beathuggs sorry you are going through this

[Skully]

It sounds like there maybe be more than ADHD going on with him. While adult ADHD can present with irritability, out right physical harm and extreme anger are not common with ADHD alone....at least that I have never seen (7 years working in mental health now). I would strongly urge him to go back on the Strattera or maybe try something different. And if you catch him in a really good mood talk to him about maybe going to therapy. It sounds like he could use it.

And if things turn physical LEAVE HIM IMMEDIATELY!!!! I know it is a hard thing to do but you do not deserve to be a punching bag!

[SenatorPenguin8081]

Originally Posted by vstar650

My husband was diagnosed with ADHD 2 years ago and has been taking Strattera. He has been very mentally abusive to me and it turned physical a few times before he started the meds. His angry has been better but not completely to what I would like it to be. He has horrible dreams. Crying and screaming in his sleep everynight. He has decided to quit taking his meds. Today is the second day. Please give me advice on what is going to happen. I left him a few times due to his temper. We have been married for 36 years.

I think you already know what might happen, and are rightfully fearful of a downward turn. First thing you need to be concerned with is your safety and the safety of any children you might have in the house. Have an escape plan ready in the event he turns physically abusive and whatever you do, don't hesitate to call the police at the first sign of physical intimidation or any yelling or threats or throwing objects around. I lived for that **** for years with my own parents and that environment is hell. Do not stay with an abusive person. I don't care how long you've been married to him, he has no excuse to be abusive in any form.

ADHD is not the reason why he was physically and mentally abusive BTW-- that is something else entirely and a huge red flag that he has a lot more going on in his mind than just ADHD. These horrible dreams and crying every night is another indicator there is something very seriously wrong going untreated and possibly undiagnosed. Obviously he left these details out or refuses treatment for them. Is he possibly experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms? Is he a trauma or a combat survivor? I would give him an ultimatum to see a psychotherapist if he chooses not to take medication. It sounds like he needs one really bad anyway because medication does not simply make problems disappear, it merely helps with symptom control. The larger problems you described here seem entirely unrelated to ADHD.

What was his stated reasoning for stopping the Stratterra?
It is unlikely the cause of his behavior since he has been taking it for 2 years, presumably without incident, unless there is something you are leaving out.

[Vita]

Take care of yourself, vstar650, you are the nearest one to do that. Your husband needs help beyond what you can provide.

Pdocs seem to prefer prescribing Strattera to adults. Stimulants are not for for us
In Europe Ritalin - methylphenidate- shall no longer be the ADHD-drug. My pdoc will have to apply for an individual allowance.

More treatment is apparently needed. I wish you success in your attempts

[Lexi232]

Has he discussed this with his pdoc? I think if he hasn't, you could tell him to do so; for both of your well-beings.
Also, try not to stay in that kind of situtation if he starts becoming abusive. Set the rule down ahead of time, if he begins to hurt you, then he should know you're out of there, until he can better himself. (because if you allow him to continue, and he likes himself off of it, then what reason, or incentive to have to seek help for his issues?).

Sounds like he is having undesirable side effects from this med. There are many more out there on the market. Is there a way to suggest to him to seek out his pdoc and look into the other options?
*hugs* I mean this all in a nice way, and i hope it didn't come out roughly.