[CWC3]

I have a feeling when I go in on Thursday I could be prescribed Strattera for ADHD (can't do stimulants--tics).

I would really just like a head's up and perhaps an idea of what to expect from this drug, should I end up taking it. Since it is relatively new (as am I to this stuff), I'm a little worried.

Anyone have success/issues with it? Side effects tolerable/dissipate? Something I should know about it? Most importantly, what can it actually DO to help me with ADHD that I probably can't do on my own? Does it do anything for anxiety/depressive symptoms? I tried a short bout of stimulants for maybe a month, about a year ago (which caused anxiety/ticking), but I didn't take anything before or after for ADHD or anything else for that matter. Before I just went to my PCP; Thursday is my first ever pdoc visit. Nervous in general for that as well.

--CHANGEwillcome

[insideout]

i've tried it and it didnt have any side effects for me. no jitteryness of irritability. the problem i had was overconcentration. i seriously got too lost in my work and ended up losing track of time. 8 hours felt like 30 minutes of work. but then again, i don't have adhd.

[A/Ox4]

Originally Posted by CWC3

I have a feeling when I go in on Thursday I could be prescribed Strattera for ADHD (can't do stimulants--tics).

I would really just like a head's up and perhaps an idea of what to expect from this drug, should I end up taking it. Since it is relatively new (as am I to this stuff), I'm a little worried.

Anyone have success/issues with it? Side effects tolerable/dissipate? Something I should know about it? Most importantly, what can it actually DO to help me with ADHD that I probably can't do on my own? Does it do anything for anxiety/depressive symptoms? I tried a short bout of stimulants for maybe a month, about a year ago (which caused anxiety/ticking), but I didn't take anything before or after for ADHD or anything else for that matter. Before I just went to my PCP; Thursday is my first ever pdoc visit. Nervous in general for that as well.

--CHANGEwillcome

Hi CWC3,
I was in a similar situation as you are now when I saw my pdoc. She prescribed Strattera and I started just yesterday. She told me that Strattera would make me drowsy, but it has had the opposite effect on me. I feel like I'm on speed! It's only 18 mg, and from what I've read from others on these boards is that that the SE's disappear or taper down.

Strattera was originally synthesized as an antidepressant. Researchers found that it worked well as an ADD/ADHD medication. However, Strattera does retain some antidepressant effects but like all meds, is individual to that person. I have noticed a "take charge" personality and got all my chores and phone calls completed without thinking about it. Things that were loathsome or unpleasant to me yesterday, didn't seem like a problem today.

Strattera works similar to Wellbutrin and Effexor on norepinephrine, except that Strattera doesn't affect dopamine reuptake. Many people with ADHD report that Strattera makes them drowsy. I don't see why since it has psychostimulant effects. To me it's more of an activating med and since I have ADD, that is beneficial to me because I tend to be lethargic and spacey. But of course, your experience could be different than mine. You might need to try other meds if this one doesn't work for you. Most doctors are cool about this and will be willing to go on to other drug options.

I hope this helps a little. I know it's frustrating trying to find the right med. Mood disorders/ADHD, etc have a stigma attached to them. People would never deny a diabetic their insulin, but fail to see our disease and chalk it up to laziness or just dumb.

Keep positive! I am sure there is the right med or combo of med just right for you. There is a lot of support from many on these boards. There is also information and links that members post that are helful.

Hugs :-)