I took strattera. It made me angry for no reason. I stopped taking it immediately.

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Joyce, My husband tried the Straterra and it did nothing for him. Straterra has not been that successful for most people in treating ADHD but it does work for a few. If your son hates taking medication at school, why couldn't he take the time-released Adderall XR? Has his doctor considered the possibility that his anxiety issues need to be addressed? If someone has an anxiety problem that is not treated, Ritalin and other ADHD medications can make it worse. Could he need a higher dosage with the Daytrona patch? Dosages for many of the ADHD medications are based on reduction of symptoms (without too many side effects) and not simply on weight or age. Just some things you might want to consider and discuss with his doctor.

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I realized I read your post wrong, and the Daytrona patch was working but causing anxiety issues. I thought you said it wasn't effective but it was the Strattera. Straterra, unlike the other medications for ADHD, takes at least 4 weeks to start working. My son takes Concerta during the day but if he needs additonal medication later in the afternoon or early evening, he takes a short acting medication (Focalin in his case) to cover the period when the other medication has worn off. If your son is still having problems, can he either keep the patch on longer or take another short acting med when the other begins to wear off. Your doctor should be able to explain and go over that with you. Again, you might want to consider that he has an anxiety issue that needs to be addressed. I have had anxiety problems but just considered it a part of my personality, worrying all the time. It wasn't until I had sleep problems that couldn't be addressed that my doctor finally asked me anxiety related questions and put me on medication that made a huge difference.

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Strattera has been shown to work for the inattentive type but not so well for impulsive and hyperactive. Why did your son not like to take adderal at school. did he get called to the clinic to take it and it embarrasses him? If so the XR version of any of the meds will stop that. Based on your post you have only tried a few meds. Even ones in the same class can behave very differently. Did you try same med but higher dosing? Some times you need to give a certain med a longer trial while increasing dosing. lastly remember meds are only 1 tool in your tool box. Did he get structure both in school and out? Some teachers are much more laid back and tolerate behaviors that in an adhd kid can escalate to intolerable behavior quickly. Did he have clear and consistent consequences for his behaviors at home and school? Did you catch him being good and reward small successes? all these non-medical factors can play an important role in the success or failure of meds. Good luck and keep trying your not alone.

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it put my 12 year old son in a daze at first, then it seemed to help, then it did not help at all, with focus, and attention. I was not impressed. He felt like his heart was beating fast.

He is now 14 and has some impulse control issues, gets angry and argumentative, has to be constantly stimulated, poor judgement at times, and forgetful. any ideas? i was concerned about arrythmia he has but cardiologist said it is within normal range........ i am afraid for when he drives. anybody to talk to out there?

thanks. linda

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