Stratterra stopped working, what now?

[bucklipe]

I started taking Stratterra and it worked very well, for a while.

It has been a year and now Stratterra no longer gives any positive effects.

The physical is still there; urine flow restriction, hair follicle sensitivity, etc…

The psychiatrist said I needed to be off of it for 6 weeks. That seems to be unnecessarily long.

Anyone have any pointers about what to do in this situation?

Go from Stratterra to something else and back to Stratterra?

Stratterra fast and restart?

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[JimC.]

@bucklipe: 1st…everyone is different with regard to meds and how and if they work. 2nd: if Strattera doesn’t work, then don’t try to continue (opinion, not fact). 3rd. do your homework and find out about Strattera and how long to be off it etc. 4th: if you don’t trust the Doc’s advice, seek another one skilled in ADHD treatment.

Since URLs on this site seem to crash the threads, here’s an article cut and pasted from the internet (note area I marked with ***):

Strattera Alternatives: An Overview

Strattera® (atomoxetine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Strattera was the first non-stimulant medication approved for the treatment of ADHD. For most children, Strattera is effective at treating ADHD symptoms. Most children also tolerate the medicine well. However, as with all medicines, it is possible that side effects will occur during treatment with Strattera ******or that the medicine may not adequately control a person’s symptoms.****** Fortunately, there are several alternatives to Strattera for ADHD treatment.

Some of these Strattera alternatives include:

Lifestyle changes, including therapy

Stimulant ADHD medications

Other non-stimulant ADHD medications.

Lifestyle Changes

Regardless of whether or not ADHD medications are used, there are several steps that can be taken to help children with ADHD. Helping the child develop a routine is often useful. Developing systems to keep the child organized (such as using notebooks or binders for homework) can also be helpful. Be sure to talk to your child’s school about a 504 plan. A 504 plan (named after the law that requires public schools to accommodate children with disabilities) outlines the steps the school will take to help your child do his or her best at school. The 504 plan also addresses how your child will receive medication at school.

Any behavioral change involves a well-balanced ADHD treatment plan, including social, educational, and mental therapy. There are several different types of therapy for ADHD, including:

Psychotherapy

Behavior therapy

Social skills training

Support groups

Parenting skill training

Behavioral interventions.

Sometimes only the child with ADHD needs counseling support. In many cases, however (because the problem affects the family as a whole), the entire family may need help. If lifestyle changes alone are not effective at improving ADHD symptoms, medications, such as Strattera, may be necessary.

Good luck and keep us posted? Jim

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