Strattera side effects?

[nancy c]

Hi all,

My 7.5 year old ds has been diagnosed at school with mild adhd. The learning specialist and school psychologist recommended medication, and our pediatrician agreed after seeing the Conors test results. He prescribed Strattera, but I'm really afraid of the side effects. I don't want ds to have stomach aches, I don't want his growth stunted, and I definitely don't want long-term damage to his organs.

We tried one pill a few weeks ago - coincidentally that same day he came down with a stomach virus and was throwing up all weekend. I'm pretty sure the pill had nothing to do with the illness, but I haven't given him any more so we haven't had the chance to see if it works.

Am I worrying too much?

Thanks so much,
Nancy

[danellsar]

My dd took strattera for a while. We had a bit of a problem with stomach aches at first, but that went away after about a week. The bigger problem, by far, was anger. She would burst into a flaming rage at the drop of a hat, over nothing. As soon as we stopped strattera, this went away (ok, it went away about 75%, but still way better). We tried a smaller dose of strattera, and it was better, but she still was getting into trouble a lot at school because of losing her temper.
Ellen

[sbdeveney]

it either works or doesn't.
Didn't work for my daughter.
She lashed out and was very very aggressive so I pulled her off after 3 wks.

She's on ritalin (for morning jumpstart).

She used to take ritalin (for morning jumpstart) and then Concerta for all day (basically a long acting ritalin).

Found this online:
"Strattera is the only non-stimulant ADHD medication approved by the FDA for ADHD treatment. Strattera is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, basically an antidepressant."

just know that medications are trial and error.......it takes TIME to find the right medication and then the right dose w/in that medication.

[angeleena]

Hi,
I wish i knew. I am in the same worry spot though so I can't be of help but to say that you are not alone in this.

Angi

[mickey2]

adderall and straterra are known for tummy aches and appetite loss or gain. good luck finding the right combo....

[readyalready]

This is the first I've heard of a stomach ache or appetite side effect, my son has been taking it for 4.5 years with great results. Meds effect each child so differently that I wouldn't freak out until you tried it to see. Of course your dr should be monitoring growth regardless. None of these drugs have no side effects, you have to decide which is worse, the ADHD or possible s e.