I don’t think the Strattera is helping. It’s been 4 weeks, and school started Aug.12. My dd’s now in 9th grade (high school) and for the first time in her life has detention next week for writing her name in a book instead of waiting for teacher’s instructions. She also was held after in another class today for talking (she says it was the whole class, tho’.) She is much more irritable & hostile. MENTION homework and she turns into a monster. Worse yet she has 3 times now (once before taking Strattera and twice since) repeatedly scratched a superficial wound into her skin - and I have no idea if all this is due to teen angst/drama or if she’s going out of control. So, I’m ready to try something else…but we’re about to lose our medical coverage! Temporary situation until her dad finds another job, but I’m looking at paying for whichever stimulant med out of pocket.
I know things could be so much worse. I just can’t talk like this to people who know me, I put on my “happy face” for them. I need to talk to people who know what I’m talking about sometimes, you know? :(
Re: What next?
I agree with AmyF. You would have seen some improvement by now if the Strattera worked. Also, irritation is a side effect that can become worse as time progresses. You must speak with a Dr!
I’m NOT a doctor or counselor but…..
I would also be worried about the possible self-mutilation. This is not uncommon in depressed teenage children, especially girls. It is a serious concern that needs to be addressed. Your DD may need to be on an anit-depressant or anit-anxiety drug along with the ADHD medication.
If medical coverage is a concern, there are other drug programs available. You could stop the ADHD medication for a short while but still begin a mild anti-drepression drug. Some of them actually do help ADHD symptoms. Stay away from Paxil, Zoloft and Prozac with a drepressed teenager. Don’t let ANY doctor tell you that there are not well-reported cases of suicide on these drugs. There are milder anti-depressants that have worked well on teenagers. They are also less expensive. However, there are ADHD medications that also relieve some of the depression and irritation.
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You need to find a Psychiatrist who specializes in drug reactions. They are wonderful and work with patients on their drug reactions and have a medical/pharmacology approach that is MUCH more helpful than your normal family pediatrician. This is a MUST for your DD. They can also help you decide on drug solutions while you have no coverage and may have enough samples to get you through the lapse of coverage. Please check this option out!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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As for drug coverage. Check with your Dr. and see if he/she will perscribe several months at a time. Then check to see if the coverage (you are about to lose) will let you order by mail - some mail order pharmacies send several months at a time!
Just some thoughts. Good luck! I know your DD will responds to other drugs better. My heart goes out to all your family during this time of uncertainty.
Hi,
While I haven’t been on this bulletin board in a long time (I started coming to this site in 1999 when my older son was being evaled for sp ed) I regularly recommend this site to folks I talk to on another adhd support group online. I have read other added support member’s posts regarding medicine and it seems some folks have had great success with straterra while others see worsening behaviors or no effect at all. I would certainly make a phone call to the doc regarding your daughter’s behaviors especially since they have begun after starting the straterra.
Hope this helps,
Amy