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Ask me About Strattera or ADHD

A

Amplifier

Banned
I'm opening this thread up to any questions you might have about living with ADHD or using Strattera. I'm not a doctor or medical expert, but I can give you information from a practical first hand account. It's only recently that I've received treatment and the results so far have been very promising.

My grade for summer accounting course was 95.1%. I have never done this well in a college class before. I usually score in the mid-c range. The only difference is that I'm taking Strattera now. I have to emphasize that I'm not trying harder, the material just sticks in my head a lot more efficiently.

Do I have ADHD? Answer: My viewpoint is that I couldn't care less. Whatever this drug does has taken me from a below average student to almost the top of this class.

I see shows like South Park claiming too many students are diagnosed with ADHD, I say judge by the results. If a person isn't happy with the grades they are getting medincines like this may be the answer they're looking for. There are too many people who write themselves off as lazy or unintelligent when there are simple remedies available just by visiting a doctor.

If you guys have any questions about Strattera, how it has affecteded me, let me know and I'll try and answer them as honestly as possible. I know there is a stigma attached to ADHD so if you want to send me a PM that's fine as well.
 
How's your liver and colon doing? Have you seen a doctor lately for tests (have you been using for 6 months to a year yet?) How about your appetite?

More important--has Strattera affected your sleep patterns at all?

I gave up on this drug because of these side effects, and the good thing was that I didn't suffer any withdrawal effects (in fact, my overall concentration and work habits stayed up, leading me to believe I WAS misdiagnosed in the first place.) The important thing is to develop good habits and routines while on Strattera, then do your best to maintain them while off (but don't discontinue unless your doctor recommends it--my liver wasn't agreeing with Strattera so I didn't have a choice.)
 
Do you have an official diagnosis? If not, how did you receive the prescription for the medication?

While ADHD is a very treatable condition, medication isn't always the right answer, especially when the problems are more tied to motivation (i.e. laziness) than a deficit in attention. In that particular instance, I'd definitely recommend the person in question work towards developing a more robust work ethic, coupled with some kind of structured study schedule.
 
Originally posted by: Whisper
Do you have an official diagnosis? If not, how did you receive the prescription for the medication?

While ADHD is a very treatable condition, medication isn't always the right answer, especially when the problems are more tied to motivation (i.e. laziness) than a deficit in attention. In that particular instance, I'd definitely recommend the person in question work towards developing a more robust work ethic, coupled with some kind of structured study schedule.
Click to expand...

Yes, I described my symptoms to my doctor and he agreed I should use the medication. It's important to have a doctor supervise any drug cycle.

Work ethic or not ADHD needs to be treated. That's why I say to judge the results. If you take the drug and see results then it was the correct choice to take the drug.


Originally posted by: UNCjigga
How's your liver and colon doing? Have you seen a doctor lately for tests (have you been using for 6 months to a year yet?) How about your appetite?

More important--has Strattera affected your sleep patterns at all?

I gave up on this drug because of these side effects, and the good thing was that I didn't suffer any withdrawal effects (in fact, my overall concentration and work habits stayed up, leading me to believe I WAS misdiagnosed in the first place.) The important thing is to develop good habits and routines while on Strattera, then do your best to maintain them while off (but don't discontinue unless your doctor recommends it--my liver wasn't agreeing with Strattera so I didn't have a choice.)
Click to expand...

I haven't had my liver tests yet, but physically I feel fine as ever. My appetite is fine and my sleep patterns are unchanged. ADHD is difficult to diagnose, even your doctor does expensive tests. From talking to other people on the forums the most telling symptom is that a subject doesn't seem difficult but you're unable to put it all together.

If taking a drug can safely help a person be more successful they should strongly consider taking it.

 
I was diagnosed with ADD when I was in year five, and was put through a double-blind test with a placebo, dex-amphetamine, and ritalin, and ritalin made a HUGE difference. I stopped once I hit year 9 or so, except around exam time, but now I'm working full time, I'm having trouble maintaining focus, and am considering returning to my old paediatrition to discuss starting it again. Sometimes discipline isn't enough. I've been doing martial arts for over 7 years, and have become very disciplined, but that doesn't stop me from being easily distracted when I'm bored, although I can focus very clearly when I'm enjoying doing something.
 
Originally posted by: Amplifier
Originally posted by: Whisper
Do you have an official diagnosis? If not, how did you receive the prescription for the medication?

While ADHD is a very treatable condition, medication isn't always the right answer, especially when the problems are more tied to motivation (i.e. laziness) than a deficit in attention. In that particular instance, I'd definitely recommend the person in question work towards developing a more robust work ethic, coupled with some kind of structured study schedule.
Click to expand...

Yes, I described my symptoms to my doctor and he agreed I should use the medication. It's important to have a doctor supervise any drug cycle.

Work ethic or not ADHD needs to be treated. That's why I say to judge the results. If you take the drug and see results then it was the correct choice to take the drug.


Originally posted by: UNCjigga
How's your liver and colon doing? Have you seen a doctor lately for tests (have you been using for 6 months to a year yet?) How about your appetite?

More important--has Strattera affected your sleep patterns at all?

I gave up on this drug because of these side effects, and the good thing was that I didn't suffer any withdrawal effects (in fact, my overall concentration and work habits stayed up, leading me to believe I WAS misdiagnosed in the first place.) The important thing is to develop good habits and routines while on Strattera, then do your best to maintain them while off (but don't discontinue unless your doctor recommends it--my liver wasn't agreeing with Strattera so I didn't have a choice.)
Click to expand...

I haven't had my liver tests yet, but physically I feel fine as ever. My appetite is fine and my sleep patterns are unchanged. ADHD is difficult to diagnose, even your doctor does expensive tests. From talking to other people on the forums the most telling symptom is that a subject doesn't seem difficult but you're unable to put it all together.

If taking a drug can safely help a person be more successful they should strongly consider taking it.
Click to expand...

I definitely agree that ADHD is something which needs to be treated. I currently test and help diagnose individuals for this, among other, conditions, and as such see its immediate effects on a near-daily basis. However, I also feel that the development of a structured and robust work ethic (if one doesn't already exist) is central to any treatment paradigm for attention disorders.

Beyond that, and not to knock personal physicians at all, but often times a visit to a specialist (psychiatrist/psychologist) is warranted to help parcel out the specifics of whatever problems you might be having.

Edit: I do want to point out, though, that I'm glad you've found a medication that provides noticeable results with manageable side-effects. That's always the goal of any type of treatment planning, and it's great when it all works out.
 
Originally posted by: Leeroy
I was diagnosed with ADD when I was in year five, and was put through a double-blind test with a placebo, dex-amphetamine, and ritalin, and ritalin made a HUGE difference. I stopped once I hit year 9 or so, except around exam time, but now I'm working full time, I'm having trouble maintaining focus, and am considering returning to my old paediatrition to discuss starting it again. Sometimes discipline isn't enough. I've been doing martial arts for over 7 years, and have become very disciplined, but that doesn't stop me from being easily distracted when I'm bored, although I can focus very clearly when I'm enjoying doing something.
Click to expand...

You're describing how I felt for a long time.
 
I'll go with whisper. I visited a psychiatrist for over a year to help me and my parents deal wth it, and she was te one who diagnosed me and sent me to a paediatrition for further analysis (if you want to call it that)
 
Originally posted by: Whisper

I definitely agree that ADHD is something which needs to be treated. I currently test and help diagnose individuals for this, among other, conditions, and as such see its immediate effects on a near-daily basis. However, I also feel that the development of a structured and robust work ethic (if one doesn't already exist) is central to any treatment paradigm for attention disorders.

Beyond that, and not to knock personal physicians at all, but often times a visit to a specialist (psychiatrist/psychologist) is warranted to help parcel out the specifics of whatever problems you might be having.
Click to expand...


Good to have you in this thread. You're correct about having a work ethic, obviously if I skip class and fail to study no treatment plan will help. The difference for me now is that studying isn't as painful. I would read pages and it would make sense to me, but I just couldn't put it all together in my mind. So I'd end up putting off reading until the last second, which only compounded the problem further.

For me treatment and a work ethic build off each other.

As far as seeing a specialist, I wouldn't be against that, but the plan I'm on is working so I'm not liable to change it.
 
How is this stuff compared to Aderrall? I got through college with grades I'm not happy with, partly due to my inability to really focus and follow through with studying, thinking jobs, etc. I'm starting my full time job soon and am tired of feeling lazy or like an idiot because I can't focus enough to retain or concentrate on anything.
 
Originally posted by: boredhokie
How is this stuff compared to Aderrall? I got through college with grades I'm not happy with, partly due to my inability to really focus and follow through with studying, thinking jobs, etc. I'm starting my full time job soon and am tired of feeling lazy or like an idiot because I can't focus enough to retain or concentrate on anything.
Click to expand...

The main difference between Adderall and Strattera is that the former is a stimulant (like Ritalin and Concerta) while the latter is not. Beyond that, you'd have to get a physician in here to explain the differences...or at least someone who knows a lot more than me, which isn't much. =)

I've met people for whom one worked and the other did not, but that can be said for nearly any two related medications. If you think you might have attentional or other problems, by all means speak with your personal physician, or, as previously mentioned, some type of specialist to see if they can help get things figured out.
 
Originally posted by: boredhokie
How is this stuff compared to Aderrall? I got through college with grades I'm not happy with, partly due to my inability to really focus and follow through with studying, thinking jobs, etc. I'm starting my full time job soon and am tired of feeling lazy or like an idiot because I can't focus enough to retain or concentrate on anything.
Click to expand...


adderall is a stimulant adhd medication, its l, and d-amphetamines... they really overpresribe this stuff its not good for you.

straterra on the other hand is a bit different.. definately safer, but i havent tried it myself for results
 
I am prescribed Adderall XR. I take it and it helps me get through my day. I can't say that it has helped me retain more information like yourself though. Perhaps I'm just stupid to begin with.
 
I used it for 1.5 years or less but over a year. It gave me headaches that Advil,Tylenol nor aleve can fix, If i think a bit about anything else I get really consecrated on it but if it was school works it would not work the same way.I am now free of any of those meds on the count that they give me headaches and about he liver and colon issues and i can do just fine Whit out it.

With the medicine u can remember it good for like a test in a week but if u needed to remember stuff from the beginning of the year you cant. I got a higher final grade with out the Medicine then with it.

it did not really affect my appetite
 
I thought I might have had it, went to a doctor in March about it. Nope, tests show I am fine. Now if could only stop sleeping when I get bored and cut the beer drinking out 😉
 
Ritalin makes my heart beat too fast, adderall does the same thing. Straterra gives me dry mouth and doesn't really work for me. I used it for 2 months and didnn't notice a difference. I tried exercise and that seems to help somewhat.

I pop a riddy whenever I really, really need to get something done.

out of all of them, ritalin works the best, but I can't stand the heartbeat complications
 
You are crazy to think that ADD isn't overdiagnosed. We live in a culture where answers are found in the form of pharmaceuticals.
It's one thing to give speed to adults and teenagers who can think and decide for themselves, it's another thing entirely to give speed to little children who are hyper("Your kid doesn't sit still?!?! say it ain't so! Let's give him some amphetamines!"

That being said, adderall has been a real miracle drug for me.
 
Is it possible to develop attention deficit disorder as an adult? I swear that I've developed much less attention span as an adult. I used to be able to read dull history text no problem in high school but I had a lot of trouble doing so in college.
 
Originally posted by: zephyrprime
Is it possible to develop attention deficit disorder as an adult? I swear that I've developed much less attention span as an adult. I used to be able to read dull history text no problem in high school but I had a lot of trouble doing so in college.
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It is possible. It is also possible for it to only really manifest itself later in life (due to different things being required).
 
Strattera gave me the worst side effects ever. Felt like a zombie, no appetite, no energy, and shooting a load went from a joyous experience to an extremely painful one, and that was the absolute last straw. Adderall does the trick for me. Strattera is basically an anti-depressant, and I found that it messed with my mind in just about every wrong way - in the end, I was focused, but focused on my side effects - and this was on the lowest dose, the one they give to children, and I'm 6'3" and 200lbs. 😛
 
Strattera just totally fvcked with me. It made me jittery (like a constant caffeine high) and I totally couldn't deal with it. Maybe that was a startup thing and would've gone away, but I didn't have the luxury of not sleeping during school so I gave up on it.

I supposedly have a mild-moderate case of adhd according to the doctors... but eh I'm doing just fine with it. I mean by the time anybody bothered to look into it, I'd already been chilling out for 17 years, so whatever right? (The only reason it was investigated is b/c of another more serious disorder of mine. Before that my mother always dismissed any concerns my teachers brought up...haha parents ftw). Maybe I could be doing better, maybe not--either way I'm not diving into the opportunity to load up on yet more brain medications.
 
Originally posted by: eLiu
Strattera just totally fvcked with me. It made me jittery (like a constant caffeine high) and I totally couldn't deal with it. Maybe that was a startup thing and would've gone away, but I didn't have the luxury of not sleeping so I gave up on it.

I supposedly have a mild-moderate case of adhd according to the doctors... but eh I'm doing just fine with it. Maybe I could be doing better, maybe not--either way I'm not diving into the opportunity to load up on yet more brain medications.
Click to expand...

My psych said there are many different kinds, 4 I believe - not only just hyperactivity, but also severe lack of attention etc. At least with the adderall, I can only take it when I need it, before work or school, and not be high all day. Although it is a pretty good high. 😛
 
Originally posted by: BD2003
Originally posted by: eLiu
Strattera just totally fvcked with me. It made me jittery (like a constant caffeine high) and I totally couldn't deal with it. Maybe that was a startup thing and would've gone away, but I didn't have the luxury of not sleeping so I gave up on it.

I supposedly have a mild-moderate case of adhd according to the doctors... but eh I'm doing just fine with it. Maybe I could be doing better, maybe not--either way I'm not diving into the opportunity to load up on yet more brain medications.
Click to expand...

My psych said there are many different kinds, 4 I believe - not only just hyperactivity, but also severe lack of attention etc. At least with the adderall, I can only take it when I need it, before work or school, and not be high all day. Although it is a pretty good high. 😛
Click to expand...

Adderall did a similar thing... accelerated heartbeat--like caffeine high. So again I think I dropped it after two days or something.

I wouldn't be surprised if these drugs would help me out if I gave them more time, but... yeah. lol

Though I'm glad they work for so many folks here. It's a real PITA when sh1t needs to get done but your brain is off prancing in candyland and won't be recalled till the professor has raped you. 🙂
 
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