[Sabrina]

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!)

[boomslang]

Hey Sabrina!

I am sorry to hear about your son's troubles. I was started on Prozac/Strattera for Major Depression - ADHD - Tourette's Syndrome in August of 2005 (The Strattera supposedly doesn't make Tourette's Tics as bad as Adderall does). I actually had a severe manic reaction to the combination and was forced to withdraw from my Junior year at college. I will never take Strattera again. I was finally diagnosed as Bipolar I after the episode and am finally stable now. I'm taking Lamictal 400 mg, Seroquel 150 mg, Fluphenazine 3 mg, and Xanax XR 1 mg.

I am no M.D. but from what I've researched and tried myself, I would recommend Focalin instead of Strattera or Ritalin. I've tried Focalin and it worked well, and I am going to go back on it as soon as my classes start again. Here are some great articles on ADHD & Focalin that my Psychiatrist wrote that may help you out

http://www.tarnowcenter.com/focalin_offers_benefits.htm

http://www.tarnowcenter.com/focalin.htm

http://www.tarnowcenter.com/psychoph...stimulants.htm

http://www.tarnowcenter.com/adhd_treatment.htm

Here is the actual Article archive where you can find ample material on ADHD - Anxiety - Depression - Bipolar - PTSD etc:

http://www.tarnowcenter.com/recent_articles.htm

http://www.tarnowcenter.com/articles_archive.htm

I hope this helps !

Ashton

[denise33]

my son has ADHD and Autism. he has been on methylphenadate for 4 and a half years now. he takes 20mg three times a day. i dont really notice the side effects the only bad thing about it is that he goes really hyper when its wearing off. he cant take concerta because he doesnt like certan things in his mouth and feels like he is going to throw up so he has to chew them. the doctor says he would really benefit from concerta and so would we as a family unit. so really theres nothing i can do. i wish you luck with your son and will be following this post to see if there are anything i can use as advice and also mention to my doctor in the near future.

[jbug]

I took Strattera for my ADHD but it didn't work for me. I am now on Adderall and weaning off of Strattera. I am only on a trial basis of the Adderall though since my pdoc told me it could make me manic.

Jbug

[Soidhonia]

Hello there is a Free medicine program on the internet. If you go to Free medicine program on the internet, there is an 800 number you can call to obtain paperwork to give to your sons Dr, for free or reduced medication for your son if you qualify. I hope the best for your son nd your family. Take care Soidhonia

[Sabrina]

Thanks to all for your support and comments.

My son is coping well in terms of side effects but there has been little difference in his concentration and "staying power" (for want of a better expression) abilities.

I doubt we will continue with Straterra past the 3 month trial (which I am prepared to try).

I tend to feel he will benefit best from Methylphenidate 3 times daily (as Geordie's son takes) - I will talk to my doc about this soon.

Thanks to all for taking the time to respond to this thread!