My son started Strattera about 3 years ago after being on ritalin for many years. We upped by 10 mgs as we go. He is currently on 60 mgs, 1x daily. He is still hyper, but at least sometimes more focused on what is going on. I definitely know when he does or does not take his meds. His personality is still there. He's huge on 'funny'.

If you see changes in your child's behavior that disturb you or don't seem right, even within a couple of weeks. Or if there are changes from good to bad in a short period of time, get back with pediatrician or diagnosing dr. There is usually a reason for it. Maybe the meds need adjusting. Just like a diabetic, it takes time to find the correct medication and the correct dosages.

What I found is that I trust my child's dr., he discusses with me and makes decisions based on varied behavior forms that are completed whenever we go for meds checks. If I feel that my son is falling backwards after a short period of time, I talk to dr. and describe what is happening and we either up or change the meds.

Remember, don't be afraid to say something is wrong or not working correctly. You are with your child more than anyone usually and know that child better than any dr. or teacher could.

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When my son was first diagnosed, our family doctor put him on Ritalin and I found there was a huge difference. But he referred us to a specialist and she prescribed Concerta. We had the same imsonia problem so he was switched to Strattera. He has been on it for almost 2 years. I noticed a difference at first but for the past year I don't know how much it is helping him focus. I've mentioned it to his doctor but she just keeps him on this and she can't up the dose because he hasn't gained enough weight (he didn't inherit my weight gaining gene!). I guess I have to trust that she knows what she is doing. Its been a long time since he he wasn't on any meds so I guess there is a difference between taking some and not taking anything at all.

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My son who is almost 9 and was diagnosed at 5 years old, started on Concerta. That caused too many problems with his appetite and sleeplessness. He was then switched to Adderall which wreaked havoc with his moods and appetite. The came Straterra, which did absolutely nothing - good or bad. He is now on Focalin. He takes the XR in the morning (10mg) and a regular 5mg midday at school. This has been terrific. His focus is great (he brought home his best report card ever), his appetite is good and no problems sleeping.

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My daughter was diagnosed in 3rd grade and is now in 9th grade. We started her out on Concerta switched to Adderall XR for a number of reasons and when straterra came out on the market we gave it a try - if it works why give her a stimulant right and I wasnt crazy about how the Adderall was really working? It worked well for her for most of her middle school years - she was an honor roll student from 5th grade thru 7th grade. 8th grade everything went down the tubes with her getting C's and D's. I battled with the question of did we need to change her meds or was it adolescents? I got very little insight from her teachers and didnt want to be one of those parents who blames everything on the diagnosis and/or medication. Bottom line - we didnt change her meds. 9th grade came along and the problems persisted...I couldnt handle the battle of school with her anymore. She then told me that the Straterra made her tired (first time I had heard that). So we talked with her doctor and decided to give the Adderall XR a try again. What a difference!!! She is so much more focused and has fewer missed assignments, her teachers have also made comments about how much better she is. I guess what I am trying to get at is that adjustments and changes are needed thru out the yrs. What works in 3rd grade may not work in the later yrs. Dont get frustrated and if u are questioning whether the medication needs to change explore it! - dont wait or you may be kicking yourself as I am.

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Hi Lark. My son also seems to be having some 'side effects' that sound similar to your son's. He'll be so easy to get along with one minute then screaming or hitting out of frustration the next. We've seen it with each dosage increase and it gets better at 5-6 weeks. However, we are thinking about backing down in dosage after another month. We want to really get a feel for what this dosage is doing for him, or to him, before going back down. That way we can make a more objective assessment. However, there are times when I just want to pull the plug on the meds! His overall confidence has increased greatly since starting so I want to see it through. Just to note, we're not sure what the cause, but my son is struggling more with 'compulsions' lately. He does have anxiety along with the ADHD.

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