Starting Strattera

[Anonymous]

DD (16, 107 lbs) started Strattera this morning at 40 mg. She took it on an empty stomach and went to school where she became quite ill and nauseated. Label indicates the med can be taken with or without food, and she doesn't eat in the morning because her anxiety makes her throw up (she is on Lexapro 10 mg for that, but still doesn't eat in the morning since she spent too many mornings vomiting.)

Anyway, questions:

--Will the nausea subside if she takes this each morning? Should she just push through the first few days?
--Will eating food help even though the label does not say it will?
--Is there any way to split the dose even though it's a capsule?

I'm sure the doctor will give us 20 mg capsules to split it up, but I'd like to try it before I spring for another expense. We paid $67 for 30 of the 40 mg capsules so if I can use those first, that would be preferable. Still, I'll do whatever I have to--just looking for any feedback advice from folks who have BTDT.

Many thanks.

[Anonymous]

My DC gets sick when taking any medicine on an empty stomach, including their Straterra. Just make sure she eats something beforehand.

[Anonymous]

Would she be able to tolerate a smoothie in the morning? Something she can bring to school and nurse for awhile?

I can't take any meds on a empty stomach, so I empathize!

[Anonymous]

Anxiety med must be taken with some food in stomach even if the label reads take it w or w/o food. If your child tolerates a granola bar/toast/waffle/pancake or any food child preference even if it is two bites that helps.

[Anonymous]

Lexapro is a strong med and would make me sick if not taken w/food.

[Anonymous]

I took one 40mg capsule myself a few weeks ago and wow was it awful. I took it with food but still had nausea, dry mouth, heat racing, and a number of other fun things. I've heard the nausea is very common and the people I've spoken to who still take it haven't had that subside.

[Anonymous]

Try it at night. That might work for your daughter. It’s not like stimulants where you need to take right before you need them.

[Anonymous]

Yes I think our first step will be to try it at night. Thank you all for the info. I really appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

I suggested the nighttime dose—I know there’s suggested times, but honestly just do what works for you. My kid takes abilify and an SSRI together every morning. Sounds pretty weird. But it works.