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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by addinbc on March 10, 2006, at 6:00:25
Hello all;
Well, I'll try to make my VERY long story short.
After many years of different meds and diagnoses, I was diagnosed with inattentive ADD in June of 2005.
I was put on Strattera, and after a number of weeks wading through the side effects, I finally reached the 40mg mark.
WOW!! It was like putting glasses on my brain!! It was WONDERFUL!! Not only was my ADD improved, but I finally had ENERGY (I basically have NO energy - ever - getting out of bed is a struggle), my mood improved, my confidence improved, my social anxiety lessened (I could finally focus on what people were saying to me), and .... I could go on and on and on.....
This lasted (for the most part) for about 3 1/2 months or so. Then, after the Christmas break (I am trying to do a Masters), I noticed it wasn't working well anymore. And over the last couple of months, it has basically pooped-out completely. I have been absolutely DEVASTATED! It was the best I can EVER remember being!
I am wondering if there is anyway to reduce the liklihood of 'poop-out'. I have come off the Strattera (I am going to try Reboxetine - when it arrives from England). However, if the Reboxetine doesn't work, I might go back on the Strattera, and try it again.
Does anyone know how to prevent 'poop-out'? Any suggestions would be MOST appreciated!!
Very best wishes to all of you!
Posted by 10derHeart on March 11, 2006, at 16:24:39
In reply to Help! Strattera poop-out!!, posted by addinbc on March 10, 2006, at 6:00:25
Hi addinbc,
Don't mean to ask a dumb question, as this is probably something you've already addressed w/your pdoc/doc, but have you tried a higher dose?
I've been taking Strattera 80 mg. a day since Jan 2004 for inattentive ADD also, and had the same response as you....but not so dramatic till I reached 80 mg. (In fact, I could likely benefit from 100 mg., as I've gained weight this past year...:-( ) Pretty amazing and wonderful med to quiet the brain and make you say, "you mean THIS is what other people's brains are like!!? [peaceful]" at 40 mg., but at 80 actually saw a *major* difference in all the things you mentioned.
Of course, it may be too high for your body weight, bring on side effects, etc., I realize. I am blessed with few side effects to meds, and any usually go away quickly.
Can you tolerate any of the stims? My pdoc has prescribed me Ritalin with the Strat any time I ask for it, and the combo helps me when I really need to buckle down (I'm in school, too). I'll usually take maybe 20-30 mg. of regular methylphenidate (not SR) along with my Strat on the day of a test or similar event.
I feel for you - if this med stopped working I'd be pretty darn upset, too!! Hope some others chime in....
Posted by addinbc on March 11, 2006, at 17:35:24
In reply to Re: Help! Strattera poop-out!! » addinbc, posted by 10derHeart on March 11, 2006, at 16:24:39
Hi 10derHeart;
Thanks for your reply!
And wow....you describe it exactly!:
> Pretty amazing and wonderful med to quiet the brain and make you say, "you mean THIS is what other people's brains are like!!? [peaceful]" at 40 mg., but at 80 actually saw a *major* difference in all the things you mentioned.
>I have found it very difficult going back to the noise and confusion as the Strattera has increasingly stopped working - especially as I know now what it is like to have a 'quiet' mind :(
Yes, I have tried going up on the dose. Unfortunately, my body just doesn't seem to be able to tolerate it. Anything past 40mg turns me into a depressed (crying all the time, social recluse, dark thoughts, etc) pile of lead (can't move to save my life). I've tried this a couple of times to see if my body would adjust, but each time after a couple of weeks of this, it would just become unbearable!
I'm hoping the Reboxetine works! If it does, perhaps I can rotate it with Strattera (3 months on each) and maybe that will work.
I'm glad to hear that Strattera has been so helpful for you!!
Thanks again for your reply :)
Posted by 10derHeart on March 11, 2006, at 19:10:49
In reply to Re: Help! Strattera poop-out!! » 10derHeart, posted by addinbc on March 11, 2006, at 17:35:24
>
> I have found it very difficult going back to the noise and confusion as the Strattera has increasingly stopped working - especially as I know now what it is like to have a 'quiet' mind :(I'll bet.
>
> Yes, I have tried going up on the dose. Unfortunately, my body just doesn't seem to be able to tolerate it. Anything past 40mg turns me into a depressed (crying all the time, social recluse, dark thoughts, etc) pile of lead (can't move to save my life). I've tried this a couple of times to see if my body would adjust, but each time after a couple of weeks of this, it would just become unbearable!That totally s*cks :-(
> I'm hoping the Reboxetine works! If it does, perhaps I can rotate it with Strattera (3 months on each) and maybe that will work.Sounds like a plan. Don't give up (I know you won't)-people with ADD have a remarkable ability to adapt and overcome, right?! Let us know how it works out.
> Thanks again for your reply :)
You're very welcome.
Posted by alohashirt on March 11, 2006, at 23:22:14
In reply to Re: Help! Strattera poop-out!! » 10derHeart, posted by addinbc on March 11, 2006, at 17:35:24
I had a similar experience at a higher dose. I ended up moving onto Concerta, then Adderall, Dexedrine, and now Focalin XR. In teh end the STrattera just made me sad, but I only fully appreciated tha when I stopped taking it. I feel lucky that I didn't end up with a debilitating depression.
Regarding inattentive ASDD. I also find that fish oil, exercising, and coaching help.
> Hi 10derHeart;
>
> Thanks for your reply!
>
> And wow....you describe it exactly!:
>
> > Pretty amazing and wonderful med to quiet the brain and make you say, "you mean THIS is what other people's brains are like!!? [peaceful]" at 40 mg., but at 80 actually saw a *major* difference in all the things you mentioned.
> >
>
> I have found it very difficult going back to the noise and confusion as the Strattera has increasingly stopped working - especially as I know now what it is like to have a 'quiet' mind :(
>
> Yes, I have tried going up on the dose. Unfortunately, my body just doesn't seem to be able to tolerate it. Anything past 40mg turns me into a depressed (crying all the time, social recluse, dark thoughts, etc) pile of lead (can't move to save my life). I've tried this a couple of times to see if my body would adjust, but each time after a couple of weeks of this, it would just become unbearable!
>
> I'm hoping the Reboxetine works! If it does, perhaps I can rotate it with Strattera (3 months on each) and maybe that will work.
>
> I'm glad to hear that Strattera has been so helpful for you!!
>
> Thanks again for your reply :)
Posted by Chairman_MAO on March 12, 2006, at 0:53:12
In reply to Help! Strattera poop-out!!, posted by addinbc on March 10, 2006, at 6:00:25
Despiramine is superior if you can tolerate the side effects.
Have you tried psychostimulants?
This is the end of the thread.
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