Side effects of Strattera--do they go away? - ADD / ADHD Message Board

jkysmom · 08-16-2008, 07:08 PM

My 6 year old son started Strattera 4 days ago. Day 1 he got very lethargic and nauseated. Vomited that evening. Day 2 same thing but no vomiting. Day 3 gave him more to eat in the am including a hefty amt of protein. Got tired and was still sort of flat but wasn't nauseated. Today (Day 4) again a big breakfast, not as tired, got nauseated this evening and just vomited. He doesn't seem to have his usual spark about him. He is normally a happy go lucky, love life, love people kind of kid. He's just flat and apathetic. Perhaps it is just because he is tired or nauseated off and on. I don't know.

On the other hand we are seeing some positives as well. He seems much less impulsive and can stop and think before he acts now. I haven't had to correct his behavior NEARLY as much as I usually do.

But, I want my happy, smiley, enthusiastic little boy back.

My husband says to stick it out for a couple of weeks. I just don't know. Particularly if he keeps vomiting.

So, have others had these symptoms and had them go away and go on to tolerate the medication well? I really need some hopeful stories. I read all the old posts on Strattera on this board today and it doesn't seem very well tolerated by a lot of people.

Thanks.

janewhite1 · 08-17-2008, 06:34 PM

Sometimes the side effects do fade with time. Still, daily vomiting doesn't sound like something you can tolerate for terribly long!

It's possible he's on too high a dose for him, (what is his dose?) or it's possible this medication just isn't right for him. Or, it's possible the side effects will fade soon as his body adjusts.

I would call your doctor and let him know how your son is doing.

jkysmom · 08-18-2008, 06:04 AM

Thank you for your reply!

I did end up calling the dr as he started with uncontrollable vomiting. We couldn't have given the next dose of med if we wanted to (which we didn't want to). We obviously ended up stopping it.

Thanks again!

rudiraven · 08-18-2008, 09:40 AM

Glad that you stopped the meds. It disturbing that so many doctors are suggesting medicating children for behavior problems. More often than not it's boys. Boys need a lot of activity to burn off their energy. Michael Phelps, the gold medal winner in swimming, got into swimming because he was diagnosed ADHD and his mom signed him up to burn off excess energy! Look what he has accomplished! Try to find other ways to channel your son's excess energy and only use medication as a very last resort. I wish you the best.