How do you deal with insomnia when taking Strattera?
Question posted by pwhitten on 5 Sep 2011
Last updated on 8 September 2011 by cetteferge
I am a young senior with ADHD. My doctor recently started me on Strattera, which I take in the morning, and right away I started having problems getting to sleep at night [I am posting this question at 4:30 AM]. Will this problem go away as my body becomes used to this medication? I started with a sample pack, the initial dosage is 18 mg, and my doctor wants me to increase over time to 80 mg.
I have been taking Clonidine (.2 mg) at bedtime for quite some time, because I wiggle a lot, and this was working until I started taking Strattera. I also had been taking flexeral at night, and the combination of the 2 meds helped me get to sleep.
Hi - I would definitely give it a good 6-8 week trial before deciding if its not the right medication for you, unless the side affects don't start subsiding or are unbearable. Your body is definitely getting used to it, but when the therapeutic effects kick in, that negative effect should diminish. I tried several medicines for my Adult ADHD (I'm 58) before arriving at Dextrostat. Although it is an amphetamine, I can actually take my meds.(10 mg) in the a.m., and go right back to sleep or even nap during the day! I also take another 10 mg tablet in the afternoon, and sleep is never a problem. That's because the medication is actually working as it is supposed to... on the ADHD. I do take some medication for Bipolar 1, which may help sleep, but its not a sleeping aide or an anti-anxiety/benzodiazepene. I'm sure your Dr. and you will know after a significant trial (6-8 wks) whether its the right medication for you or not. If not, there are several meds. available for this diagnosis, so you've got many more to try if this one doesn't work! Good luck! Jillian
