I was started on Strattera at 19 y/o (once I started nursing school) and was very disappointed when initially prescribed. I was hoping for a stimulant, but after trying Ritalin for a few weeks and hating the poor mood it put me in, my Psychiatrist decided to try Strattera 1st since I was not already accustomed to the effects of stimulants. I had tried Vyvanse, Concerta, and Adderall prior to seeing a Psychiatrist (without a prescription..calm down though) and really felt it helped with my ability to pay attention, chronic fatigue, and motivation. I gave it a whirl and tapered from 20mg/day initially to 80mg/day over a months time. During the 1st 3 weeks I didn't notice any improvement and was having lousy side-effects (felt crummy, had insomnia, and bouts of not being able to catch my breaht). However, after about a month (I was reluctant to refill my prescription) I noticed a big change. While normally I can EASILY sleep until 2pm regardless of what time I went to bed, I was waking up around 10am naturally, and found it much easier to rise early for class/work. This has always been a real struggle for me. I also noticed improvements in subtle symptoms of my ADD. I was a bit more organized, a bit less likely to procrastince until the ultimate last minute, misplaced items a lot less, and generally felt a little less scatter-brained. After staying on Strattera for 2/3 months I asked my Psychiatrist if we could combine Adderall on an as-needed basis. He felt that was fine and I was prescribed 20mg XR PRN on top of the strattera. I feel this is the perfect combination for me. The strattera stays in your system which helps with the daily hassles of ADD, and the adderall is there for extra busy days/heavy class schedules/or when I need to be awake at the crack of dawn for clinicals. Unfortunately with the new healthcare system being instituted, I can no longer afford Strattera. I was paying $80/month for it and about $15 for the Adderall every 2-3 months, which was already the priciest drug I've ever had, and no that my insurance no longer covers it, it would cost $400/month (If i was able to get it from CANADA!). I'm incredibly disheartned by this and am really hoping I'll be able to find something affordable with the same effects, as I feel I had finally figured out what helped me be the best version of myself. I know this is incredibly lengthy, but I feel this drug has a bad rap because it's constantly being compared to stimulants. IT IS NOT A STIMULANT, so don't expect stimulant-like effects. If you are already on a stimulant, you will probably not flourish if switched to Strattera (but may like my combo), and if you have sever ADD, you may not feel this helps. However, for the every day hassles like I mentioned before, I found it to be wonderful after I giving it at least 4-6 weeks to take full effect. I do hope there's a push for a generic version to be made/more insurance companies willing to cover this drug. Hope this is helpful to someone, again sorry for the lenght, but there's a lot to say lol.
I posted a very lengthy description of my experience, hope you find it helpful. -allison
I know this is over a year later that I'm responding, but just so you know, a side effect of ALL antidepressants is an increase in suicidal thoughts, ESPECIALLY in adolescents/children. Glad your dad warned you :)
I can concentrate i can sit still i can relate to my husband better.
No side affects at all i love this drug.
Hello! I know starting a new medication can be stressful or scary for most. However, the best way to prepare yourself for taking a new drug like Strattera is to research the medication online. Also, simply asking your doctor (preferably a medical professional who specializes in drug treatments for ADHD) about the medication is a good route as well. Message boards do come with pros and cons when it comes to other people's personal experience with a certain drug. In Strattera's case, I have witnessed many message boards and many comments within those same message boards to give the medication a very bad wrap. Many people right about how "horrible" the drug is without giving themselves the proper amount of time needed for the drug to properly make a discernable difference within the person's ADHD symptomology. Now, I am in no way trying to diminish anyone's perceived "horrible" experiences with the drug as it is common knowledge that no drug is for everyone. Every individual will react differently to medications and there is no story that fits all people to a so-called "t". Suicidal ideation is a rare and very serious side effect of Strattera that more commonly affects children and young adults compared to their elder counterparts. Nonetheless, as stated this a rare side effect and one person who experiences this does not necessarily mean the same will happen to you. Yes, this drug is known for its side effects that commonly affect many people in some way or another. But what I will say is at least in my personal experience taking the medication with food preferably a full meal will greatly diminish any gastrointestinal side effects. Yes, when first beginning this drug I experienced sometimes mild to moderate nausea but this side effect goes away over time as well if taken with food. I often would experience a period typically about a 2-3 hour period of fatigue after taking the drug, but nothing too major I couldn't handle. However, I now don't experience that side effect as much since I have been taking Strattera going on 2 months now. Also, just to touch on the subject of mood and emotional outlook while taking this drug. I too experienced what could be considered a mild form of depression also known as dysthymia. But this was far from any suicide ideation. Also, I am still not quite sure if it was a mild form of depression I experienced or just simply extreme boredom that made me a little down at times. Like in no way did I feel like dying or feel as if I was worthless. However, I just felt like I needed something to do something that would occupy my time. And not having that stimuli to challenge myself made me feel down at times. Nonetheless, I only experienced that side effect briefly when first starting the medication as now I feel great! I feel like I can finally focus and like the world slowed down for me to finally really experience everything around me. I feel so much calmer around people and stressful situations don't bother me as much. So, basically just to reiterate I would not recommend this drug to anyone that has or had any untreated depression or depression-like symptoms as this drug could possibly make it worse. I would only recommend this drug to people of that particular case if you have received treatment and or are currently getting proper treatment for any depression like mental illnesses. Overall, I wouldn't let anyone's horrible experience or fear mongering stories get to you or deter you from trying a potentially world-changing drug.