[Sheepmafia420]

Hey. My psychologist thinks there is a chance that i have ADD, and after going through forms (im norwegian, dunno what you call them in the US) or like, the questions you have to answer to evaluate the diagnosis, im going to see a doctor regarding medication for ADD, and also further analasys.

Problem is, up until 2-3 months ago i had a serious cannabis-problem. Ive stopped smoking all forms of smoke (lol) and do around 70 pushups every day and im going to finish up my last exams to go to university.

The problem is the fact that in norway, to get stimulant medication, you have to be documented drugfree for 3 months. This isnt really a problem, my life is fine without drugs now, but since im starting school, well, now basicly it would be nice to start the medication.

However, ive been prescribed Wellbutrin, i used it a couple of years ago with moderate sucsess to "get of my arse". This is a norepinephrine reuptake-innhibitor, but studies show that it has only moderate effects for people with ADD/ADHD.

My question is: Is the medication called Strattera (Atomoxetine) more effective for ADD, even though that also is a norepinephrine reuptake innhibitor? I imagine that i dont have to urinate clean for 3 months to start the medication, since it has very low abuse potential, as opposed to ritaline (we btw dont have Adderal in norway).

I am in the end more interested in taking amphetamine, as it has been documented to help brain abnormalities in rats in low theraputic doses, but while i wait for the 3 months of clean urine, it would be great to have something to "properly target" attention-problems.

Thanks for sticking with my bad english, and rambling text, this is a great place on the interwebz !

[healingme4me]

Wellbutrin and Strattera are categorized differently. Wellbutrin is antidepressant/aminoketon(sp?).

Strattera sounds like the proper med for your diagnosis. Give it time to work. Sometimes it's easy to believe we want a certain med, when another one is better suited.

Keep us posted. And welcome to PC!

[Sheepmafia420]

Thank you for your answer! Any input on differences between Strattera and Wellbutrin would be greatly appreciated!

[Ruftin]

Hello and welcome to Psych Central Sheepmafia!!! It's nice to meet you. You have joined a community of warm and caring members who will want to offer you support and advice. Yours is welcome as well.

Please feel free to contact any community liaison or moderator if you need help navigating the forums. It will take some time for your first five posts to appear as they are being evaluated and then you will be able to join chats.

I would have to say ask your psychiatrist. I just don't know, but I'm glad you're with us. Both drugs can be used for ADHD but which one is better?

I look forward to seeing you around!!!

[healingme4me]

Originally Posted by Sheepmafia420

Thank you for your answer! Any input on differences between Strattera and Wellbutrin would be greatly appreciated!

Here's two Psych Central links regarding information on both meds..

http://forums.psychcentral.com/meds/strattera.html

http://forums.psychcentral.com/meds/wellbutrin.html

Hope those help..

[SharonSharonSharon]

I took Wellbutrin for a few years for depression, but it never helped my ADHD. After a few years it didn't help my depression either. I started Strattera for ADHD and felt a difference in two weeks. It has now been six weeks and I feel great! Better than I have felt in years! I can actually start and finish a few things once in awhile. That used to never happen.

[spaceturtle]

There is extensive evidence that Strattera can be moderately to highly effective for around 50% of people with ADHD.

Wellbutrin is not considered very effective and is considered an "off label" treatment.