Is it safe to combine? - ADD / ADHD Message Board

DawnP · 04-01-2003, 07:07 PM

Does anyone know whether it is safe to use Strattera and Concerta together? I am going to be trying my son on Strattera. Based on everything I've read, I do not want to just drop the stimulant med (Concerta) he's taking and send him off to school with only the beginning dose of Strattera. I am going to start him on a Saturday but he will have to go on the school on Monday. I am wondering whether he can take both until the Strattera gets into his system. Or, can he take the Strattera at night before bed and the Concerta in the morning before school until we get through the first few weeks of getting it into his system? My Pediatrician said that some Drs. even use it at night for some patients as it helps them sleep!

If anyone knows, please advise!

Thanks

momory · 04-01-2003, 07:23 PM

I have a 9 yo son who has been on Adderall for about 2 years now...He started Strattera 40 mg almost 3 weeks ago. I was advised by his neurologist to keep him on the Adderall for 2 weeks, as it took at least that long for the Strattera to work. I was told that because these were totally different classifications of drugs that they could safely be combined. My son did very well on the combination of the 2 meds and when we stopped his Adderall last thurs., he had a very difficult time the following day with impulse control, mood swings and major hyperactivity...all of these symptoms much worse that my son on no meds at all...I was ready to stop the Strattera but after reading comments from other parents have decided to wait it out another 2 weeks...He has not had another really bad day like last friday but still having difficulty staying focussed in school. We have noted a certain calmness in him, however that I have to attribute to the Strattera...not like a drug induced state but a genuine calmness...Will keep reading and posting...Have found this site to be extremely useful.

DawnP · 04-01-2003, 07:26 PM

Thank you Momory, you answered my question perfectly! I think I will try both for awhile and then see how he does when we stop the Concerta. This board is really helpful. Thank you for taking the time to help.

Dawn

RhondaBradshaw · 04-02-2003, 06:32 AM

DawnP - Whew it's good to see this post. Now I have someone to communicate with. March 11th, my son takes Concerta 54mg every morning. We started him on 25mg Strattera for 4 days and then increased to 40mg and that's where he is now. It's almost been 3 weeks. We give the Strattera at night after dinner/before bed and his concerta at 6:30am. I'm here for ya. What questions do you have. All children are different but if there are any major concerns you have lets compare notes.
Good Luck
RhondaBradshaw

DawnP · 04-02-2003, 02:04 PM

Hi Rhonda and thanks for replying so quickly!

i am interested in hearing about your son and his personality before meds etc.

I actually have two boys with ADHD but the younger one who is 7 is the issue right now. My older son takes Ritalin and it works for him and for us.

The 7 year old has been taking Concerta for l year. Prior to medication he was not learning adequately in school, ws sent to the principal's office repeated for being out of control and was a generally frustrated child. The poor guy told us that his brain told him to do bad things. We had him thoroughly tested by a Psychologist and opted to put him on Concerta after his ADHD diagnosis. He also has ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder). The Concerta has been a godsend as he has dramatically improved his behavior and learning at school. He's also much more agreeable when on the meds. The problem is that we give it to him early in the a.m. like you so it ends up wearing off before dinner or any evening activities which make things much more stressful at home. We can't give it to him later because he already can't get to sleep at night. As a result, I was hoping the new med - Strattera might work. I will give it to him at night for a few weeks and then try it without the concerta or a lower dose of concerta and see how it works out. I definitely don't want to just drop the Concerta cold turkey without getting the Strattera into his system. From what I have read on this board, many parents haven't been too thrilled with the Strattera. It sounds like it's more of an antidepressant type drug.

I am wondering whether your son had trouble sleeping when he was just taking the Concerta. Also, does the Strattera help him sleep? My pediatrician said some Docs prescribe it at night so the kids will sleep as opposed to taking it in the morning.

I really don't like medicating my child but his life has improved so much with the medication and he's happier with himself. Behavior modifiation definitely does not work at this time for him.

I will look forward to hearing your story and thank you again!

Dawn