Who has a child on Strattera?

[barkley]

i'de like to see what qualifications these "diagnosticians" have. my ds (9) has adhd, and in order to be diagnosed we had to be seen on more than one occasion by a child psychiatrist who provided questioneers for his teachers, care givers, ourselves and his pediatrician. these were reviewed in conjunction with his auditory and allergy tests to ensure that no enviornmental factors were of a contributory nature. i can't imagine that anyone could effectivly/accuratly diagnose since there is no SANCTIONED adhd test (it is a diagnosis that is based on the behaviours of a child in multiple situtions/circumstances-not just how they perform one on one with an individual person).

our pediatrician (along with the majority in our region) will not perscribe adhd drugs in the absence of ongoing psychological treatment (if the treater is a psychologist the pediatrician prescribes, if the treater is a psychiatrist the pediatrician consults to ensure no adverse physical symptoms on the meds). both feel that meds are not the cure, but one part of a treatment plan.

that said ds has successfully used dextrostat since age 3-while he is much thinner than most his age, his overall health is excellent and his school/social behaviour is very good.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

We tried my son on Stratera. That dosage seems correct from what I remember. My pediatrician prescribed it because I was concerned about the lack of weight gain with Adderall. He only left him on the Adderall for about a week before taking him off of that. It did not go well at all. He couldn't focus for anything. I work in psychiatry but mainly with adlults. I do know people who specialize in kids. When I talked with my favorite child and adolescent psychiatrist, he said that Stratera would not work for hyperactivity. (My DS was doing stuff like fidgeting constantly in his desk - which drives his teacher crazy.) It takes about a month for Stratera to get into the system which is why they usually keep you on the Adderall for that long. (and we were only on it for a week!) Anyway, we ended up sticking with Adderall but taking name brand instead of generic. We are working on some sleep issues to but the appetite has improved. Stratera is supposed to be a good medication for ADD - just not ADHD.

DS doesn't have any hyperactivity, so I am hoping he will respond well to the Strattera. So far, so good, but I am wondering what sort of side effects will manifest when we up the dosage next week. I am absolutely on the lookout for any changes in mood/behavior that might indicate depression. Ordinarily he has no issues at all with sleeping, but he eats very little. He weighs 63 lbs. and is about 52" tall which makes him the smallest boy in 4th grade. Anything that interferes with his appetite will NOT work for us!

Our pediatrician did used to refer out to a psychiatrist, but since they now have diagnosticians on staff I feel comfortable with the "team" of pediatrician and diagnostician. They must have been comfortable with the change or they would have left it the way it was. He went through 4 different tests with the diagnostician (don't have the report in front of me so I can't recall what the names were), his two main teachers and his music teacher completed question sheets that were scored and entered into the results, DH and I both went through a lengthy interview with the diagnostician, and we also did a profile to rule out Asperger's because he has a tendency to hyper-focus on things he is really interested in. He didn't have any other characteristics of Asperger's but they wanted to make sure they weren't missing anything. I feel like the diagnosis is accurate because it really just confirmed what we suspected all along.

 

[cepmom]

DS doesn't have any hyperactivity, so I am hoping he will respond well to the Strattera. So far, so good, but I am wondering what sort of side effects will manifest when we up the dosage next week. I am absolutely on the lookout for any changes in mood/behavior that might indicate depression. Ordinarily he has no issues at all with sleeping, but he eats very little. He weighs 63 lbs. and is about 52" tall which makes him the smallest boy in 4th grade. Anything that interferes with his appetite will NOT work for us!

Our pediatrician did used to refer out to a psychiatrist, but since they now have diagnosticians on staff I feel comfortable with the "team" of pediatrician and diagnostician. They must have been comfortable with the change or they would have left it the way it was. He went through 4 different tests with the diagnostician (don't have the report in front of me so I can't recall what the names were), his two main teachers and his music teacher completed question sheets that were scored and entered into the results, DH and I both went through a lengthy interview with the diagnostician, and we also did a profile to rule out Asperger's because he has a tendency to hyper-focus on things he is really interested in. He didn't have any other characteristics of Asperger's but they wanted to make sure they weren't missing anything. I feel like the diagnosis is accurate because it really just confirmed what we suspected all along.

sounds like he was thouroughly evaluated. It just blows my mind to hear of what your DS Dr did to get him properly evaluated....my friend's DD has had none of this testing or had her teachers fill out questionaires and the pediatrician just simply wrote out a prescription (don't know what for though) without even seeing her in person or sending her to a psychiatrist or anything!

I'll be thinking of you and your DS...hope everything turns out well for you both

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I would be VERY concerned if a Dr. who was not familiar with my child just dashed off a prescription and left it at that! It almost sounds illegal. Most doctors won't even write a prescription for antibiotics unless they see you in person! I had pinkeye on Christmas Eve one year (caught it from DS) and my Dr. was really hesitant to call in EYE DROPS for me! But she was booked solid that day and closed on Christmas so out of pity she did call in the drops. ADD medication is something else entirely!

And from what I understand a child must have a FORMAL diagnosis to qualify for modifications of curriculum, homework, etc. from the school. Now that we have the written report for DS I have scheduled a 504 meeting with the teachers and other personnel (I think an administrator and the guidance counselor) to make a plan for the rest of the school year. Of course we're down to 11 weeks left, but might as well get it in place.

Urge your friend to do some more research! That situation just doesn't sound right!

 

[JennyMominRI]

I'm in the middle of evaluating DS for ADHD>.First we went to the Ped who sent us to a Psyhologist. We have had 2 appointments,filled out tons of questionaires as has DS and his teacher. He took some tests (computer game sorts for one) and we still have no diagnosis.. I think we will have one soon,and I'm very glad they are being thourough... I don't think I'd go for strattera as my first choice.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Good luck with your DS! I know it actually made me feel pretty good to have a definite diagnosis for my DS. If you know what you are dealing with it is easier to look at your options for treatment. Not easier to CHOOSE a treatment, but at least you can narrow the choices.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

may I ask where or who tested him? I have a friend that is going through similar issues with her DD9 and it was recommended by her teachers to put her on meds. The teachers talked to the pediatrician who then wrote a prescription (without seeing the child) but my friend is freaking out about it and does not want her on meds. I was just curious what type of professional you saw to get him diagnosed with (I am assuming) ADD

There are teachers who are very pro-medication and want their classrooms medicated into submission. This is NOT ok (and frankly sounds like what this teacher is doing).

Teachers are not doctors. No doctor should write a perscription for something like this without seeing and evaluating the child. I would advise your freind to not fill the perscription and insist that if the teacher thinks the child needs medication then the shchool needs to go through the proper channels (including a second opnion from a non-school related psychologist) for a proper diagnosis. Schools don't want to do this as these evaluations cost a lot of money for them.

Evaluations are full of surveys, history and observation. Jotting off a perscription without ever seeing the child (and upon teachers request) is pretty dang close to malpractice.

 

[esmetutu]

While I don't know much about this medication, I do know that diet and allergies can affect these behaviorial disorders quite strongly. A no sugar, no wheat, no dairy, no additive/dye/chemical, etc. diet can really help. I subscribe to a magazine called "Living Without" (for my gluten allergy) and it's great. They sometimes have articles about this type of thing. I'm certain there are books and websites out there too. I know it costs a lot more, and takes more time, to try this kind of eating, but I know (as a fellow parent) we'd do anything for our little ones! Seems any alternative(to medication) that worked would be good. It must be quite a struggle to see your child not doing his/her best and my heart is with you all!

 

[tkd lisa]

My DD (and DS) were on strattera about 2 years ago. I had posted my horror story with it at the time.

Boiling it down to the short version, my kids had been on concerta (time released ritalin) for a few years. Both of them were pretty small (runs in the family), and we were a bit concerned about the weight issue, and strattera being non-controlled substance would have allowed refills to be called in, saving us about an hour of chaos to get to the doctor every month for the script.

We put both kids on strattera shortly before school started. It was generally a rough year for DD (6th grade), and in mid March, we upped her dosage, since she was still having problems. That's when the real horror started. She literally saw monsters coming out of the walls. Yes, that's PSYCHOSIS! By the time I got her into ER, they thought she was autistic. She was rocking, and sobbing and seeing things at every turn. Long story shorter, they decided she was basically allergic to the strattera (she spent her 12th birthday in the psych unit in Children's Hospital DC). I had several long conversations with Eli Lilly about her situation. My soon to be ex- has a long family history of bi-polar, and they are now starting to contra-indicate strattera for any history of bi-polar.

DD's earlier reactions were primarily stomach related (vomiting and diarhea), so if you see that reaction, I'd be worried. Frankly, if it were me, I'd try something different, but it's your child, and you need to make the final call.

Both my kids have been back on concerta for 2 years now, and they're pretty much at the expected weight for their age/build/family history.

 

[Christine]

and strattera being non-controlled substance would have allowed refills to be called in, saving us about an hour of chaos to get to the doctor every month for the script.

Just wanted to add: you *can* have your doctor give you a script for a 90-day supply of any of the controlled substances. Not all doctors will do this, nor do they know about about it ( ), but it is true.

How do I know this? Well, at the time my kids were first being diagnosed they were under the care of a psychiatrist who was monitoring the ADHD. Also, a friend of mine (adult) has ADHD. He told me that his psychiatrist always gave him a 90-day supply that he mailordered. I asked my psychiatrist and he said "hmmm, I didn't know you could do that but I will make a call to the DEA and make sure it is okay." At about that time, I decided that my kids were stable on their medications and we were happy, so I turned their care back over to the pediatrician. When I was in with the ped I said "hey, can I get a 90-day supply." He said "sure, no problem" and I've been doing it that way for about 2 years now. Much easier and quite a bit cheaper.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I'll have to keep that in mind about the 90-day supply. We have the option of mail order but so far we haven't used it for anything. Once we figure out what we are doing as far as meds and dosage that might be a good way to go.

tkd lisa -
I did a search of past threads and I recall seeing your story. How frightening for all of you! I am so sorry your DD had such a horrible reaction! To my knowledge we don't have any bi-polar in our family but it is good to know about the bad reactions other kids have had so we can be prepared. DH is adopted, so who knows what evil lurks in his biological relatives?

I appreciate everyone's input - I'll let you know how it goes as we get into the increased dosage next week.

 

[cepmom]

jack ~
I agree...it just doesn't sound right.
My friend's DD is on an IEP for various learning issues, but has not been propery evaluated by an outside person. The spec ed teachers are the ones that keep pushing the medication issue. I don't feel they are enough to diagnose a child with ADD/ADHD. The pediatrician is a family friend so he does know her, but did not see her for an evaulation or refer out. I'm not anti-meds, but I just think they are jumping the gun and she should be seen for a proper evaluation.
She did take her DD to a place doing some kind of study and they were very helpful according to my friend. They gave her some names of specialists nearby so that is a step in the right direction.

 

[elizke]

We tried Strattera with my 9 year old son for about a year.

He has attention, social, anxiety, and mood problems. He doesn't quite fit the mold for any one thing, but seems to have some of many things. He was diagnosed with Asberger's autism, but really does not fit this either, and his school agrees this is not accurate. He had a full evaluation with a psychologist, and we are currently working with his school to find out more. The team there is very good and they will not recommend or push for any medication, just help figure out better ways for him to learn and do better socially.

Back to the Strattera, we tried it for a good long time, through all the moods, and really saw no effect, good or bad. I was sure hoping!

We tried Ritalin for just a couple of weeks and he was so hyper-thinking it was scary! He was upstairs cleaning his room at midnight and was not eating at all. We took him off, but we will probably try meds again very soon. Need to find a new psychiatrist as we did not really click with the last one.

Teachers should not be so pro drug, and your son's teacher's opinions sound very suspect! But I hope in the end she's right and this works for you. I have heard some success stories with Strattera.

I held off as long as I could with meds, but if it is going to help take a child from failure to happiness and success, why would you not? Some people are so averse to this type of medication, but would not question taking treatment for any other organ in the body. The brain is just the most complicated one. There are risks with taking meds, but there are also risks in not taking them.

There are many people with opinions on the subject, but in the end you are the one who knows the most about your child and cares the most. Good luck!

E.

 

[deelam]

My son was on Strattera last year for about 4 months. I took him off when I heard that it has caused liver damage in a few kids who used it. I haven't put him back on medicine since. It's been hard, and I'm really leaning towards asking my Doctor to put him on something. But I don't think the Strattera worked too well anyway. So I would lean toward adderall XR. My son was on that before too. It's just very hard when you hear of all the bad side effects that could occur with the drugs. I know they are rare, but it COULD happen to your child. I was amazed how quickly doctors are to put kids on drugs.

When we first went to the Child study team's doctor I asked about a special diet, the doctor said that diet doesn't matter. He also said that it didn't matter if the child could consetrate deeply on video games for 2 hours, that doesn't count-the child could still have ADD-they only consentrate on what they want to. I just don't get the science here. The last thing I want to do is put my child on drugs just to make the Teachers job easier. I'm really torn.

 

[lsyorke]

Not questioning your decision, but read this to be fully informed about the risks associated with Strattera. I would rather see a child on anything but Strattera.

http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/view_press_release.php?rID=11901

/24-7PressRelease/ - SWEDEN - March 10, 2006 - Data about the harmful effects from the ADHD drug Strattera were revealed in a document from 9 December 2005, written by the British MHRA and sent to the Swedish MPA (Medical Products Agency). The information was gotten as a result of FOIA-requests, and released by court order.

The document told about 130 reports of suicidality in one month from treatment with Strattera. It told about 766 spontaneous reports of cardiac disorders and 172 of liver injury, and about 20 completed suicides. The 130 cases of suicidal and self-injurious behaviour were reported September 23 - October 25, 2005.

The main part of the information was classified and not released. So was, for example, the full assessment of all data about suicidality withheld from the public. That review - on which MHRA based their conclusions - was made by the manufacturer, Eli Lilly, and was named Annex 4 to the report. It would of course be of tremendous value for independent researchers to read how Lilly has treated the statistical data, but this has not been possible.

And now MHRA has forbidden Sweden to release Lilly's review. In a decision made by the Swedish MPA, as a result of a new FOIA-request, it is written that contact has been taken with the British authority MHRA and that the release of Lilly's suicide review would hurt the relations between the two countries! Thus the review cannot be released.

The MHRA, as well as FDA and other national medical agencies are supposed to be "watchdogs", supposed to protect the public from harmful effects of dangerous drugs. That the MHRA now gives directive to other countries to hide the information about Strattera suicide data is a big medical scandal.

All information about the harmful effects of this psychiatric drug should now be made public by the medical authorities and an impartial evaluation of the data should be done. Psychiatrist should no longer be allowed to prescribe poisonous drugs to normal children; children who do not have any objective abnormality but whose behaviour are deemed inappropriate.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Oh, my! This does NOT sound good. I wonder how many patients were in that study? I wonder if they were adults or adolescents? I wonder if there were other factors (history of depression/suicidal thoughts, etc.) and I wonder what the dosages were for those patients?

I wonder if we are doing a horrible thing to DS! I guess I will call the pediatrician and see what he thinks we should do.

 

[paigevz]

When we first went to the Child study team's doctor I asked about a special diet, the doctor said that diet doesn't matter. He also said that it didn't matter if the child could consetrate deeply on video games for 2 hours, that doesn't count-the child could still have ADD-they only consentrate on what they want to. I just don't get the science here. The last thing I want to do is put my child on drugs just to make the Teachers job easier. I'm really torn.

Diet only matters if the child has an allergy masked as ADD...........apparently your dr. had already considered and discarded that possibility.....perhaps a bit too quickly.

A lot of people don't understand why a child can concentrate on things they enjoy. ADD (ADHD) is a problem with regulating attention span. There are times they cannot make their mind focus on a particular task, and there are times they cannot force their minds away from a particular task. It works both ways..........they cannot, very easily, regulate their attention span as needed. This is why you can talk to a child (or adult) with ADHD, and they don't hear anything you said.........particularly when they are absorbed in a task. Occasionally, they can parrot back what was said, because their ears work, it's their brain that isn't focusing on the meaning of the words.

As far as making the teacher's life easier..........don't worry about it. For every medicated child, there's at least one unmedicated. That should be the least of your worries. The focus is on helping your child. If your child can cope well, isn't falling behind, isn't getting into too much trouble which would hurt their self esteem, doesn't notice that others don't have these issues..........then there is no need to medicate. However, if your child is not doing well in school or socially, or feels "different" or inferior to the others, or as if he is bad.........I would try an appropriate, proven medication, and just see if it helps him (as in my earlier story, if I had only known what Ritalin would do for mine, I wouldn't have taken so darn long to help him!).

 

[cruisnfamily]

Let's see if I can make a long story short..

DS(now 10) started having problems in kindergarten. Things got really bad in 1st grade and continued into 2nd grade. We spent those two years trying every behavior modification reward/consequence type of program you could think of. We finally got him evaluated(at our expense, outside of the school) and the diagnosis was ADHD(NOS) which according to the psychologist meant he was borderline. He didn't have all the things you need to have in order to be classic ADHD but the things he did have were really high. We tried concerta at a low dose. Boy, the change was instantaneous. Within 30 minutes of taking it he was a different child. We did it for him because he was constantly in trouble at school(nothing terrible, just fidgeting, not paying attention, etc).

Well, he remained on the meds for 2 years. This year in October, he(DS) told me that he wanted to try it without the meds. He's in 4th grade. We decided to let him try it and it's been working out great! He's had maybe one or two "off task" type of problems but for the most part all is well. He's always been a straight A gifted student, whether on or off the meds. When we met with his Pediatrician to tell him about stopping the meds, he said that if he can make it through 4th grade without them, then he's probably done with meds for life. He said that as long as DS wasn't suffering academically or socially, he wouldn't recommend medication just to make the teacher's life easier. He said he doesn't care if DS fidgets or is off task a bit as long as his grades don't suffer.

So, that's my story, don't know if it helps or not but the bottom line was DS just needed a couple of years of maturity and now he's able to control his behavior himself, without the meds.