Scared 25 year old just starting Stattera! - ADD / ADHD Message Board

rachelv21 · 03-31-2003, 03:25 PM

Hi - I am 25 years old and just started taking Straterra. Today is my second day. I was diagnosed with ADD two weeks ago. (this was very sad that it took 25 years to find out that there was something wrong with me) My doctor started me on 200MG of Provigil. I felt absolutely no difference. So my doctor gave me Straterra 40mg in addition to the proivil. The one thing I can tell is that I am really sleepy. I am hoping this will pass. People at work keep asking if I am ok b/c I am very mellow – something I am usually not. I don’t know if I am focusing any better b/c my mind is set on trying to find out as much information on Straterra as possible. I was wondering if anyone can tell me what to expect – I have read a lot of different sites but they mostly talk about kids. Also if anyone has any advice they can give me on dealing with ADD as an adult.
I guess i am just really scared and i want something that is going to work - my whole life has been a mess and i am tired of it falling apart.

ddsmom · 04-01-2003, 09:37 AM

I don't know a thing about Provigil, but I'm adult that's been on Straterra about a month. The starting dose is 40 mg., which will likely be increased to 80 mg. My son has been on Straterra about 6 weeks. We both had sleepiness as a side effect but it went away after the first couple days. Once you get to your target dose it will be another three to four weeks before you know how well Straterra will work for you. I don't know how the other drug you're taking may affect the timetable or your target dose, but your doctor could tell you.

jason808 · 04-01-2003, 11:05 AM

I hear you Rachel. Today is my first day of Straterra. I was diagnosed at the ripe young age of 32, so I can sympathize with your anger toward taking so long. My psychiatrist gave me some good advice in that I should focus on the future and not the past. In fact, when I told my dad, he was so stunned because he exhibited many of the same qualities and is going to see the doctor as well!

The only thing I've noticed is that I do feel a little drowsy, kind of like taking a benadryl tablet. It's not too bad. The other thing is that I seem to be a bit more focused, but this early in the game, I chalk that up to a mental attitude that wants me to succeed and overcome this disability. However, I've read much encouraging news on Strat.

I'll post some Adult ADHD resources as I come across them.

[This message has been edited by jason808 (edited 04-01-2003).]

rachelv21 · 04-01-2003, 07:55 PM

Ok - today was my 3rd day. I felt better than yesterday - not really tired - and i didnt feel as melow. I dont know if that is good or bad. I did have a lot going on at work so maybe its just that i didnt have time to think about it. I dont really know what to expect - like am i going to be doing a 360?

I have a question for ddsmom - How long did it take for you to feel a change - if you felt a change?
Is this your first ADD meds? thank you for all your help.

Now Jason808 - we need to talk - LOL - how did your first day go? as you can see mine was better than the 1st and 2nd day. Hey this is our time to move forward and i dont see any harm in having a buddy to compare notes with. Let me know how you feel.

dulce · 04-01-2003, 11:51 PM

rachel,
I think we have a lot in common. I'm a 26 yr old female just recently diagnosed with ADD. I'm going to start Strattera tomorrow and I'm a bit nervous and excited. When I first discovered I had ADD, I was shocked but happy. I think for the first time in my life I actually have a positive attitude. I feel like I'm being given a second chance at life. I'm always very negative towards myself and this is one of the very few times in my life where I have decided not to dwell in the past. Because, believe me, I can dwell with the best of them! Now That I know I have ADD, I am determined to get better and take on the world. Well, I hope that wasn't too corny but I had to let it out. I'm a little worried about the Strattera side effects but we'll see. I've been on Prozac before and although it did relieve my deppresion I felt that, it was all very surreal. i can't find any other way to describe it. When I was on Prozac I did stuff that was odd, stuff I would normally never do. I'm worried that Strattera might affect me the same way (I'ld appreciate any insight on this). I guess only time will tell.