crying - ADD / ADHD Message Board

Sandi · 11-11-2003, 06:15 PM

I need advise. My 6 year old daughter is on 25 mgs. of Straterra for about a month. I notice that she is much more emotional than she was before. She has always been a sensitive child but never cried as much as recently. We also struggle with taking the medication. She can't swallow the capsule so I have to open it up and pour it in chocolate pudding. It tastes disgusting so I have to watch her struggle with that every day. We've tried applesauce, yogurt, ice cream and chocolate milk, so far chocolate pudding covers the taste the best but not good enough. I welcome any suggestions. Thanks

rainonwindow · 11-11-2003, 06:58 PM

You need of course to parent in the way you believe is best for your child. So I am just speaking in regards to my relationship with my daughter who is ADHD. I strongly felt that it was important to never force her to take medications. I figured that if the improvement in her quality of life was apparent to her, she would want to take the medication. It sounds like perhaps what your child is upset about is just the taste. But if the crying is a possible side-effect of the medication, I would take my child off immediately. My daughter responded beautifully to ritalin but there were times when she simply didn't want to take it. So those times she didn't. It was never forced.

Palms1 · 11-11-2003, 07:28 PM

By no means should the capsule be opened!!!! Not only does it taste nasty, but most of all, it can cause serious damage to the esophagus due to the acid contained in Strattera!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do not open the capsule!!! I would rather stop giving her Strattera if I were you.

* Free ~ Spirit * · 11-11-2003, 11:15 PM

Oh no sandi... strattera capsules should NEVER be opened!!!! Stop doing this NOW! It is DANGEROUS!! As mentioned it can damage the esophagaus. It can also damage the skin and eyes if any of the powder gets on your childs hands or in the air. If you want more info on why strattera cannot be opened call their information line. You can find the number on the strattera web page.

Sandi · 11-12-2003, 09:19 AM

Now I feel horrible!!! When I talked to the pharmacist about this he said I could open it and went she met with her doctor about a week ago I explained to him what we were doing and he recommended other foods to mix it with!!! How do I ever know who to turn to if these professionals don't know??

Quote:

Originally Posted by * Free ~ Spirit *

Oh no sandi... strattera capsules should NEVER be opened!!!! Stop doing this NOW! It is DANGEROUS!! As mentioned it can damage the esophagaus. It can also damage the skin and eyes if any of the powder gets on your childs hands or in the air. If you want more info on why strattera cannot be opened call their information line. You can find the number on the strattera web page.