[Mckey]

Two people have told me to try Starttera as an alternative to a stiulant for ADHD symptoms. But I read the PI sheet listed here and it said it can cause mood swings. What exactly does that mean? I already have moodswings, caused by an AD. And noticing Starttera is an AD (although a different type) is kind of making me rethink it.

Has anyone tried Strattera and it caused mood swings?

And random question... can Strattera cause tics like Stims can (Strattera being an alternative to stims and all I thought I should ask)?

[Velvet Elvis]

It's less likely to trigger bipolar symptoms than any of the SSRIs or MRIs. I think the tic risk is pretty low. It never made mine any worse in any case.

The side effect that was a deal breaker for me was constipation.

[Mckey]

Thanks for the info VE.

My psychotic symptoms have been in check for a long time. And it is actually my mood swings is my major symptom right now (with anxiety flavor of coarse). So I am going to talk logically about trying a stim. Mood swings makes me feel crazy (after all ive been through thats my most hated thing).

I dont know.

I have a pdoc appt this week and I will talk about all this to him.

I am definitely not a professional lol.

[Velvet Elvis]

Stims can cause mood swings as they kick in and wear off. Go for one of the sustained release preparations if you do go for a traditional stimulant. Vyvanse or Adderal XR or Focalin XR (or whatever it's called).

If you do have a history of psychosis, trying Strattera first would probably be smart.

[Mckey]

Thanks again VE. Psychosis will probably always be an adverse affect in my life (new meds, no sleep, no meds, etc etc), unless my brain becomes magically dismembered. And strattera seems like it would be the best choice when it comes to that. And I should writie this in my blog... but I am going to rant anyway... I have not had psychotic symptoms in a long time thanks to the magic of a certain AAP (thank god, just the mood/anxiety/negative stuff). So just maybe I will be okay with a common stimulant.

BUT ANYWHO....

I made a mistake, I dont see my pdoc until next week (I am horrible with time i swear i was told "its in 2 weeks" freaking 3 weeks ago). But with your and his advice, we'll see what happens. I just hope he does SOMETHING. He usually ignores this stuff.