Oh...so this..... is...... a..... "brain shock"........ - ADD / ADHD Message Board

strattercaster · 09-05-2003, 04:07 AM

A couple of weeks ago my wife and I celebrated the official end of the summer (i.e., the beginning of the new school year) by going away for the weekend). An impulsive, yet celebratory decision, we quickly pack some clothes and got away for one of those joyous, spontaineous trips that proves to be so personnally refreshing. Unfortunately for me, I realized that I forgot to pack my Strattera. Ooops.

It didn't interfere with the weekend - and having already acclimated to the drug over the past year, I was/am past the male sexual side effects documented on jackos psoting (a fine thread that I recommend ALL men, and their affected partners, read). But monday I returned to work and..oh man...my brain felt like it was stuck in first gear. I...mean......I....couldn't.respond.to.a nything...rea....quickly.........

A Brain Schock! Wow! One of those legendary "Health Board" occurances I had read about. So this is what it is! Normally quick witted and interactive, I found myself sitting in meeting after meeting with little, or nothing to say, yet certainly still capable of processing the information I was receiving (although with some deliberate effort)

The symptoms abated the following day as I rebuilt my med regimen. Unfortunately, I also went through another abbreviated period of male side effect hell (MSEH?) with erection difficulties, delayed/problem orgams, retrograde ejaculation, and some semem in my urine. Peace of mind was restored after two days - my thoughts - no longer ricocheting around my brain like the proverbial person changing channels without a remote control" - and brain calmer, clearer, focussed - with the deep thoughts and what some refer to as the shallow wit

both restored to all their former glory. The peacefulness and clarity are truly amazing.

The experience was a bit disconcerting, although knowing in advance what it was attributable to certainly helped. Moreover, it reminded me what my mind (as opposed to my brain) was like prior to taking Strattera. I regained appreciation for the medication and the benefits it provides me. I went on to have two very solid, successfull weeks in this new school year. And those MSEHs are long gone.

mattm2 · 12-01-2003, 02:10 PM

strattercaster

It has been a while since you posted. Wondered if you were still watching this board. I wanted to ask you a few questions.

Thanks
Matt

strattercaster · 12-01-2003, 03:26 PM

Hi Matt - I've posted on other threads, you're the first reply I've had to this one. So - what's up? Strtrcstr

mattm2 · 12-02-2003, 05:15 PM

After reading the other thread (about MSEHs), I postponed my initial doses for fear that it would ruin my Thanksgiving weekend. So, today is officially only my second day on strattera. I am already expericing the majority of the side effects that everyone is talking about on just 2 doses. (Waking up every 2 hours during the night, dry mouth, as well as the urnination and related issues).

My question is in regard to the safety of the product. Do you know where I can find official information on that. I mean, if it affects my male parts so drastically, I have a hard time (no pun intended) believing that it is safe for me. I just got married and its about time to start making babies, so I think that is probably something i need to research.

Are you concerned about such things? or do you just accept the risk? see no risk? etc....

Thanks
Matt

strattercaster · 12-02-2003, 08:12 PM

Matt

Regarding the safety of the product.....it has gone through extensive clinical trials before FDA approval...it is safe insofar that any drug is safe. A drug may have a potential to one individual out of a million, but if you're that 1 out of a million - -well, it's 100% you.

The first thing I would do is discuss your concerns with your prescribing physician (hopefully he/she is not a family practice doc, but a psychiatrist who really knows these drugs). Following that, I would go email Lilly and see what they have to offer.

It is not unusual for this type of drug (serotonin uptake inhibitors) to cause a variety of sexual dysfunctions in some individuals as a potential side effect. It's an unpleasant trade off that each individual has to evalute for him or herself. Not only in the case of ADD, but also for many meds associated with depression.

Of greater concern to me is your implicit question of whether or not Strattera has any impact on the actual production/motility/purity of the sperm being produced in your testicles. Good question - especially if you and your wife are contemplating pregnancy. Haven't the slightest idea. My own kids are in high school, so that's no longer a concer. However, thinking back to when their Mom and I were going for conception we both gave up coffee - - so, I'm sure I personally, would have chosen not to be on an SSRI like Strattera while trying to get a pregnancy going - - regardless what Lilly told me.

Give it some additional thought - get some additional information - it sounds like you have an inquisitive mind which will serve you well. Good Luck!