What Should I Know About Strattera for ADHD?
Strattera came out around January of 2003, and is becoming more and more popular as a treatment for ADHD. Strattera is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that came on the market in 2003. It is becoming more and more popular as a treatment for ADHD and is available nationally. Strattera is a type of ADHD treatment that works differently from the other ADHD medications available.
Strattera works by selectively blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine by certain nerve cells in the brain. This increases the availability of norepinephrine, which is thought to be essential in regulating impulse control, organization and attention.
In clinical trials, some patients discontinued their stimulant medications within one or two days of beginning Strattera. But our reports are that ADHD kids who had been treated successfully with stimulants do not seem to respond as well to the Strattera as those ADHD kids who had never been treated with stimulants. This is probably true, as we have seen this happen with children and teens being treated with ATTEND. We think this is because even small doses of stimulants can be so effective that they "spoil" both the kids and the parents, and they want to keep taking at least a tiny dose of stimulant along with either their ATTEND or Strattera. Learn more information on Ritalin, and ATTEND at the ADHD Information Library.
Please take Strattera exactly as directed by your doctor. Strattera offers flexible dosing, once or twice daily. Discuss a convenient schedule for taking Strattera with your doctor.
Do not take Strattera with any other medications, even over-the-counter medications! You must talk with your doctor first! Talk to the Pharmacist too! Our reports indicate that there may be serious problems taking anti-depressants with Strattera. In fact, our reports indicate that there can be serious problems taking even Benedryl with Strattera. But our reports indicate that small doses of stimulants may be OK with Strattera, and may even enhance treatment.
Strattera may be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but do not take more than your total daily dose in any 24-hour period. If possible, take Strattera at the same time every day to keep on schedule. Strattera capsules should never be broken and sprinkled on food. They must be taken whole.
Our reports indicate that it takes 4 to 6 weeks for Strattera to work well (to reach therapeutic levels). We believe that Lilly will experience the same problems that VAXA has in getting people to stick with ATTEND, which also takes 4 to 6 weeks to work well. The problem is that parents usually only give an intervention 2 weeks to work, and move on to something else if they haven't already seen the results they expect.
Stimulants, when prescribed with the correct dose, work in about 20 minutes, so parents tend to go back to using them, even with their harsher side-effects. After all, the parents don't experience the unpleasant side-effects -- their kids do. But the parents do enjoy the benefits of the medication around the home.
Our reports also indicate that Strattera, like Attend, has fewer "ups and downs" than stimulants. There can be some stomach problems, but there is less of a "rebound" effect. By the way, for reducing the "rebound" effect of stimulants, try drinking a Mountain Dew at the 3 hour mark (for Ritalin). This seems to help a great deal to eliminate the "crashing" off a dose of Ritalin, and make a smooth landing.
In one of the Strattera studies the researchers reported that adverse events did occur in some patients, including rhinitis (33.3%), headache (20%), anorexia (16.7%), and dizziness (16.7%). No serious side effects were observed and no patients stopped medication or discontinued the study due to adverse events.
There have been reports of prostate problems in men with ADHD from various sources, so men should be careful.
In each of six clinical trials, Strattera was better than placebo in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. The positive effects of Strattera were seen for overall ADHD symptoms including hyperactive /impulsive symptoms and inattentive symptoms. But we are not convinced that this statement is very powerful. Even coffee is better than placebo. Would you take a medication that was not better than placebo? ATTEND, which is a nutritional product, makes statistically significant improvements on the computerized TOVA CPT test in 70% of subjects, and 80% improve on Parent Rating Scales; Ritalin makes statistically significant improvements on the computerized TOVA CPT test in 80% of subjects. Is Strattera better than these?
So far, parents love the fact that this is not a triplicate prescription. Doctors love this too. Ritalin is a hassle to prescribe, and a hassle to get from the pharmacy. However, the bottom line needs to be seen in the real world. Does Strattera work better than Attend? Does Strattera work better than stimulants? Will there be any long-term side-effects? How long will families pay $200 a month before they switch to another treatment option?
You can learn more about Strattera at the ADHD Information Library. Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including http://www.newideas.net, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.
Related News
What it takes to be a good parent in today’s culture - The Prairie Star
Parents need to grow up - NEWS.com.au
Parents need to grow upNEWS.com.au, Australia -Aug 28, 2008By Susie O'Brien PARENTS need to grow up if they want to raise their kids successfully, a new book says. Well-known Melbourne psychologist John Cheetham ... |
Farah Hospital hosts Jordan’s Pioneering Parenting Program - Al-Bawaba
Successful co-parenting after a divorce - St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Denver rules: A guide to parenting, the Democratic Convention way - Globe and Mail
Faith and Spiritual Life: Outreach - HeraldNet
For mothers in prison, children can be key to rehabilitation, with ... - Boston Globe
Struggles of single parenting - Waseca County News
Waseca County News |
Struggles of single parentingWaseca County News, MN -6 hours agoBjerklie’s parents, who live in Bjerklie’s hometown of Fergus Falls, Minn., have a tight-knit relationship with Hannah, and Bjerklie also has brothers who ... |
The Observer - Sarnia Observer
Parish needs more foster parents - Natchez Democrat
Parish needs more foster parentsNatchez Democrat, MS -2 hours agoIn that same region, there are approximately 200 foster parents. In Concordia Parish, there are only 10 foster parents, but there are 30 foster children in ... |
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Relate With Your Teen And Gain Their Trust
We were all teens at one time for some many years ago even if we don't like to admit it. Many of us can look back and say our teen years were good, but with many ups and downs as we approached adulthood. Some of us maybe were lucky enough to have parents we could talk to about anything with ease. Today's teens deal with many of the same issues, but also deal with some very difficult issues that are more prevalent in today's youth.
Achieve Success At School - Parents, Help Your Kids Easily Be Top, Honor-Roll Students!
With the beginning of the new school year coming VERY soon, here are some tips to give us a "heads-up" to start the year off knowing what to do.
Parenting Your Teenager: How to Build Trust
``Mom, can I go to the mall with my friend Jenny?''
Top 10 Ways to Motivate Your Student
As the new school year begins, parents play a pivotal role in their child's success. Here are 10 tips for motivating your student from GoalSettingforStudents.com.1. Stress "I'll Make It Happen" words. Encourage your child to use positive, motivating words like yes, I can, and I will. 2. Minimize "Bummer Words." Avoid using negative or limiting language in discussions with your children. Some of the most common bummer words include no, can't, won't, never, maybe, and if. 3. Do the Basketball Shuffle with your child. Play the Basketball Shuffle to encourage independence and responsibility. Write "It's in your court NOW" on a basketball, and place it in the kitchen or family room to emphasize how the entire family gets the school year off to a good start. Then "pass" the ball to your child to show how he or she is now responsible. Your child can "pass" it back when they need help. The basketball becomes a fun, visual and practical way to emphasize your child's role in his or her education.4. Thank You, Ben Franklin. Ben Franklin used the following process week after week for fifty-seven years and claimed it made him a better and happier man. Develop thirteen character traits you and your child want to work on together. Consider honesty, fairness, self-control, order, sincerity, responsibility, self-respect, and kindness to others. Each week select one character trait, and, as a family, work to improve this trait. Provide rewards to the family member who shows the most improvement. Continue the process until you complete all thirteen weeks of character traits. 5. Stress the Importance of Goal Setting. Sit down with your child and set goals for the school year. According to John Bishop, author of the workbook, Goal Setting for Students®, "Students will take more personal ownership for their education when they learn how to set and achieve goals and how to use these principles in the classroom. They will embrace your efforts to help them succeed." 6. Accountability is a Two-Way Street. Both parents and students need to be accountable for a child's success in school. As adults, parents have to model responsible behavior for their children. Did you promise to volunteer at school, or help with the latest class project? Make sure you follow through. 7. Answer the "BIG" Question. At least three times per week have your child write down the following question, "Did I give my best effort to today's activities?" and record their answer. If their answer is "yes," reward them. If their answer is "no," have them list two things they will do tomorrow to improve their effort. Writing this question on paper (instead of just discussing it) will imprint the words in their minds. 8. Help Them Manage Their Time. Have a family meeting to discuss the weekly schedule. At the beginning of the school year, it is easy to sign up for too many activities, events and committees. How many activities will each child participate in? When will you have dinner together as a family? When will homework be done? What chores are each family member responsible for and when will they be done? Create a family calendar in a centralized location to keep everyone aware of the day's activities.9. Make it easy to study. Create a study area that fits your child's personality. Do they work best at a desk in a quiet area of their room? Or is the dining room table a better place to work? Does music distract them, or help them focus? Help your child determine the best way to study. Fill a tackle box with commonly used school supplies and keep it stocked. Prevent last-minute runs to the discount store by keeping poster board, extra notebooks, paper and other supplies on hand.10. Define success-in your child's eyes. Help your child define what success means to them. Bishop says, "Children need to know that success takes time; success takes planning and a strong desire; success takes setting and achieving goals; success involves helping others. Students need to know it's their achievement, not ours." With a few simple steps, parents can get their children off to a good start for the new school year.
Parenting - Give Your Child The Tools To Build Strong Character And Values
There are many parenting styles. Yours may be very different from your own parents, your siblings, or your neighbors. There is no right or wrong parenting style. If you are teaching your children basic values and good citizenship, you have already won half the battle. There are some basic character traits that are necessary for children to develop into good citizens and role models. Instilling these values in your children will provide them with a strong foundation on which they can base their lives and build their futures.
Protect your Kids Early with Safety Glasses
What exactly makes safety glasses different from regular glasses? There are several reasons glasses will be rated as safe. They must not only cover the front of the eyes but also the top and sides as well so small particles can't enter the eye. You can find inexpensive shields from a home improvement store that will also go over your regular eyeglasses. These types of glasses fog easily making them difficult to see out of. Safety glasses with polycarbonate lenses are very protective and more comfortable if professionally fitted. There is an industry ANSI standard that must be adhered to if glasses and frames can be rated as safety. They need to be sturdy and survive a test where a ball is dropped on the lens. Whatever job you have where safety glasses are required, you will know if you need high impact or basic impact lenses.
Family Meetings 101
Family meetings provide opportunities for feelings to be aired and validated. They also allow younger children to feel they are an important part of the decision-making process when it comes to family vacations and other major and minor family functions.
7 Easy Ideas for Organizing Kids Artwork
In school, kids are encouraged to create, draw, color, paint and build. These activities can certainly stimulate children, and help them grow.
Are You Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child?
Although many parents are concerned with our children's intelligence quotient (IQ), research shows that a child's emotional quotient (EQ) is just as important for that child's personal success. So what is Emotional Intelligence? Emotional quotient is your child's ability to feel, while intelligence quotient is your child's ability to think. Although the term was coined in 1990 by psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer, the person responsible for bringing more awareness to emotional intelligence is a science writer Daniel Goleman.
Teaching Kids to Read
We are all so very happy to see that the First Lady has made reading a renewed priority for our country. The literacy issue is a big one. Kids are being passed year after year and still not able to read in High School. One issue, which is quite evident is the incredible turn over of teachers. There is a 50% attrition rate of teachers in Five years. This is somewhat similar to Corporate America too, but why are the teachers who have studied hard to specifically become teachers calling it quits?
New Mom...New Baby...New Debt?
Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along with your expanding waistline comes the ever growing list of products for you and your new bundle of joy. Preparing for a new baby can be a costly experience, especially in the areas of clothing and nursery furniture. The good news is that it does not have to be!
A New Idea For Kids Party Parties: Hiring A Caricaturist Can Make Your Kids Party A Real Blast!
There's a new trend for party entertainment. It seems as though Caricature art is the way to go. Parents are seeking out artist to come to their kid's birthday parties, Bar/Bat Mitzvah's, Cummunion and Halloween parties. Businesses are catching the trend too. Caricaturist can be seen a trade shows, promtional parties, business picnics and all types of corporate events.
Dads, Handle your Kids Mistakes
One of the most difficult parts of being a father
is learning to accept your children's mistakes. It
certainly can be easy to be loving, supportive,
and helpful when your children are mistake-free,
but most fathers who are paying attention don't
find too many mistake-free periods of their
Overscheduled Kids
Time devoted the better part of an issue to it. Newsweek featured an article titled "Busy Around the Clock." Articles with titles like "Whatever Happened to Play?" "Pushing Children Too Hard," and "Are You Over-Scheduling Your kids?" show up in print media and on the Internet. Books with titles like Hyper-Parenting: Are Your Hurting Your Child by Trying Too Hard? are appearing on bookshelves.
Is Your Child Ready For an Allowance?
Children think money grows on trees. Maybe not literally, but they sure think there is a never-ending supply of it. They see you at the grocery store pushing a cart overflowing with the week's groceries; you hand the cashier a piece of plastic and suddenly it's all yours. People come to the door asking for money to support a charity and it magically appears from the bottom of your purse as if you were pulling a rabbit from a hat. Instead of "mama" or "dada", "checkbook" might have been your child's first word. It makes no sense to them then, that every time they ask for something they'd like from the store the answer is usually no. How do you teach the value of money to a child?
Surprise ? Public School Class Size Doesnt Matter Very Much
School authorities often complain that classes are too large. They claim that teachers can't be expected to give their students the individual attention they need if there are too many students in the class. On the surface, this excuse seems to have some merit. Common sense tells us that in smaller classes, teachers can give more time and attention to each student.
Parenting Your Teenager: 7 Tips for Back to School Success
Blink. That's all we did, blink, and summer is ending and a new school year is beginning.
Potty Dolls to Accelerate Potty Training Success
Sometime the most effective training tool in rapidly accelerating the rate of your child's training is a potty doll. This is drink-and-wet a doll with the internal plumbing that simulates the potty process for your child. Generally, dolls with an internal bladder are the most effective. This enables the youngster to gently press on the dolls tummy to make it pee. In order to get started see below:
How to Talk to Your Kids About Suicide: New Study Says it May Make Them Less Likely to Consider It!
This year alone, 1,600 teenagers aged 15 to 19 will die from committing suicide. Suicide among kids, once a rarity, is now a growing concern in America, and it appears that one of the best ways to keep your kids from doing it is to be a nosy parent.
Meet The Twixters!
There is a new stage of development for parents to consider.
|
