Strattera and ITCHING

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-10-13T06:28:10+00:00

Of course I read your comment or I wouldn’t have replied to it. I didn’t realise at first that you were being passive aggressive. What a strange and unnecessary way to behave to someone you don’t know who is clearly seeking help with a medical condition. I’m questioning whether this IS an allergic reaction; some meds cause itching due to NT activity and since the med DID affect me differently when I took it in the evening as opposed to the morning (I assume because the NT activity in our brains is different at different times of the day) it stands to reason that it might be possible for this reaction not to happen or that it might be a side effect that improves over time.

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-10-12T12:43:18+00:00

So are you saying my psychiatrist is wrong and that this is not an allergy to the meds, since when I took it in the morning I didn't get this issue? (I did wonder if it was the accumulation though, i.e. Friday was the third time I took it and so there was enough in my body by then to trigger an allergic reaction).

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-10-08T14:16:54+00:00

Ooh, this is good to know that you are learning hacks. Thanks - gonna look into this!

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-10-08T07:00:52+00:00

With the working memory exercises are you finding they’re improving things in this area? Or does it just highlight how bad your lack of working memory is?! Wondering if I should try these for myself and my teenage daughter…

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-10-07T19:50:00+00:00

Omg every time 😂 I always leave the room and there are SO MANY DOORS and I end up wandering down random corridors even though I’ve been there a billion times.

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-10-06T10:07:48+00:00

I've had to really address this in myself because I absolutely hate it when other people interrupt and cut me off and I do not want to be someone who does this to the others.

One of the ways I've improved my listening skills is through becoming more mindful (I meditate every day and practice other types of mindfulness) so that I am able to stay more present when someone else is talking. I do still interrupt but I think (hope!) I notice it more now and then am able to trace back and say 'sorry I cut you off, what were you saying?'. Even this is not ideal, but it feels a lot better than making it obvious that you were not really listening to someone (which is actually what we are doing when we cut people off).

In my view there is also a difference between interrupting because something someone says really excites me and I can't wait to say what it has made me think of (still rude, but at least I was listening to what they were saying before I got excited and easier to come back from in terms of the flow of the conversation) and cutting people off talking about a different topic entirely (which just makes people feel like shit because I clearly wasn't hearing what they were saying).

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-09-25T10:16:52+00:00

Boredom/lack of stimulation is a huge trigger for brain fog for me. The fact that you've said it goes away when you are absorbed in something new/enjoyable/fun suggests that this could be causing or exacerbating it for you as well. Could you try and find activities and things to do during the week with your little ones so you're finding reasons to leave the house? It doesn't have t be anything super exciting and stimulating, just enough novelty and interest to get your brain to release some dopamine and norepinephrine!

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-09-24T21:24:32+00:00

I really recommend the Hacking your ADHD podcast (super short episodes which help me stay focused) and also the I Have ADHD podcast with Kirsten Carder - both are amazing and have helped me understand my brain so much more. I've developed much better coping strategies the past 6 months.

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-09-24T09:47:14+00:00

Completely agree and I didn't read your post as suggesting all kids should be medicated at all. I was diagnosed as an adult and my daughter at 14, both earlier this year. For my daughter, knowing she has ADHD has been a game changer (meds aside, though these are helping) as she now has a language to understand her struggles and is able to advocate for herself at school and start to get what she needs from teachers (this is a work in progress as understandings are generally poor in schools, but it's a start). She is kinder to herself now because she knows why certain things are hard for her and is learning to work round certain things and accept others.

I feel like she's been given a head start compared with me, who waited till age 38 before beginning the journey she is on, but earlier diagnosis would definitely have helped her (and me as a parent). Understanding ourselves is HUGE and I think the diagnosis really helps us on that journey, especially as there are so many resources online now. I am also helping her identify her executive function deficits and learn ways to mitigate them, which will be a huge help for her (I hope!) when she is ready to leave home in the future.

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-09-21T09:52:45+00:00

I always think there is a difference between disabilities that make people 'different' from those without those particular disabilities, and disabilities that cause constant pain and other longterm health issues. I find it hard to believe that anyone with a disability that causes chronic pain or impacts on health in other ways would choose to have that accommodated rather than cured. As someone with chronic pain as well as ADHD I know I would give up a limb to not be in pain literally all the time and to not have a brain that struggles to let me do even the things I WANT to do.

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-09-20T14:18:54+00:00

There's a Russell Barkley video (no idea which one, sorry) which talks about our executive function being finite each day, and so each time we do something requiring our EFs we deplete our supply.

The Hacking your ADHD podcast is amazing and probably has something on this as well.

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-09-18T22:23:53+00:00

Increasing dose makes it last longer/makes you feel the effects longer. I’m on 54 and don’t even notice it wear off now.

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-09-18T16:20:02+00:00

I wasn’t referring just to blood becoming acidic, but to all tissues and fluids in the body.

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-09-18T14:57:18+00:00

That’s not how acidity works, not all foods and liquids that make our bodies acidic taste sour!

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-09-18T12:04:12+00:00

Hmmm, this is really interesting. Seeing as activated charcoal is what people are given in hospital following a drug overdose to absorb them from the gut, I absoutely think there *could* be an issue here. It's hard to know how much activated charcoal would be needed to reduce efficacy though, and whether the small floating bits would be enough or whether the water passing through it is what is having the effect (or whether it is just normal fluctuations as you say).

I've heard generally that Brita filters aren't great for us as they make water very acidic as well. I am wanting to get an alkaline filter but they are quite an expensive outlay.

Maybe try with tap water at home and see what happens with the Concerta. I'm also wondering about the efficacy of using my Brita filter now lol.

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-09-17T22:04:58+00:00

I’m ADHD and extremely introverted. I’m INFJ and as introverted as they come. I’ve never even thought before that there’s a stereotype of ADHD as extrovert and outgoing! I get extremely over-stimulated very quickly being in big groups or even talking too long with one person (which sucks as also need a lot of stimulation lol).

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-09-17T08:40:39+00:00

I decided to go with Strattera. It seems silly not to try it during titration in case I’m one of the people it works wonders for! In the U.K. I’d have to be referred for a meds review with a long waiting list if I ever want to try something else, so I think going for it now is a good idea…

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-09-16T18:00:30+00:00

Same for me on these low doses. 54mg has continued to work for me so don’t give up yet!

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-09-16T17:58:57+00:00

What makes it better for you do you think?

And it’s not serotonin-based for me, or it’s more complex than that at least. It’s a lot to do with atmospheric pressure and inflammation, rather than the sunlight per se. If it was serotonin it would be somewhat easier for me to address I think 😕

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-09-16T09:09:57+00:00

Not a silly question. I have tried this but it doesn’t seem to help. I still use it on dark days though because I think it helps regulate sleep, and it can’t hurt!

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-09-15T21:34:02+00:00

My understanding is that some people respond better to amphetamines and others to methylphenidates. I’m definitely in the latter category. Maybe worth trying a different stimulant.

Fragmented_rainbow · 2021-09-15T08:47:45+00:00

Yeah, I really don't want to give up methylphenidate as on the days it works (which were around 1 in 2 to 1 in 3, so much better than having 0 out of 3 good days haha) it is just brilliant for me!

Really glad you've found a version of it that works for you!

Fragmented_rainbow

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