Strattera and Aniexty - ADD / ADHD Message Board

kappy · 09-09-2003, 08:24 AM

I would like some feed back from anyone whose child has experienced anxiety like symptoms on Strattera.

By way of background, I have a 12 year old daughter, 77lbs. She was on Concerta, but was experiencing horrible tics where she would pick at her self. Once she was taken off the Concerta, the tics went away. She then started on Strattera 25mgs on August 1st, 2003. On august 13th, 2003 we added an 18mg dose around 5:30 p.m. The past week she has been complaining of pains in her chest and arm, rapid heart rate, trouble breathing (although she does not appear to be in any breathing distress), fears at night, trouble sleeping, and general anxiety like issues at night (although not a full blown panic attack). Also moody on and off, mostly late afternoon to night. Has anyone experienced side effects like this while on Strattera? If so, how did you handle it? Did you take your child off the medication, or should I wait a little longer and see if it goes away? She is still easily distracted, and can be hyper in some situations.

[This message has been edited by kappy (edited 09-09-2003).]

[This message has been edited by kappy (edited 09-09-2003).]

Bren30 · 09-10-2003, 06:45 PM

My son started Strattera this week...He's 14
Are you keeping a record of any type of complaint she may tell you...I am writing down any thing I can ..Just in case I have to notify his Doctor.I hope we do not run in to any type of problems..But you never know..They did tell us the first few weeks he may feel sick to his stomach.. and to eat when he took it..or have small snacks..not have a empty belly.Maybe its the time she takes it.. we have to do it in the morning.. he couldnt take it at night.. He would just lay there for hours.

Keep notes... so you can tell her doctor what she has told you.. and how she feels..

Good luck

Bren

[This message has been edited by Bren30 (edited 09-10-2003).]

Angel8 · 09-10-2003, 07:13 PM

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jboon · 09-13-2003, 08:11 PM

It seems that the different meds affect each person very differently. What works wonders for one person can cause another severed illness. If the Strattera is causing negative side effects, you may need to try something else. The Strattera HELPS my son's anxiety tremendously. In fact, that's one of the main reasons he takes it. He also takes Ritalin because the Strattera doesn't help his focusing--but it does help his eating, sleeping, hyperactivity, anxiety, and it prevents the Ritalin "let down" when the stimulant wears off. So, it's all appears to be a matter of how one's body reacts.

kappy · 09-15-2003, 11:25 AM

Jboon,
Were you able to cut down on the amount of Ritilin your child takes? My daughter went off stimulants because they caused her to pick at her arms and legs all the time. But maybe a very small dose of adderall when needed during high stress/stimulating situations would help to chill her out a little. She is still very active on the strattera (mostly late afternoon/ evening) and it is almost imposisble for her to calm down at cheerleading practice, etc. Do you think I could give her a small dose before practice., but not everyday. Cann Adderall be takend on an as needed basis? I haven not heard any negative feedback from school yet (7th grade). So maybe the strattera is helping during the day and wearing off early evening.