Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 5/4/2006

Question
I have been diognosed with add and adhd since childhood. It went untreated untill i was 22/23 i went to a doctor and they put me on that. I changed my life. Unfortuantly i have crappy insurance and wasnt able to get refills for 3-4 months started getting these head achs that would almost make me pass out and hard to see with out sunglasses on. Went through all the tests with my pcp and got him to write me a script. 1 - Will I have to use this forever? 2- Recently have had abdomanal pain my obgyn did an ultra sound noticed no cists or abbrations. Did note that my liver was extremly over in larged and is going to follow up with some liver tests. Should I be Concerned? What are the side effects I take 40 mg a day. Please ease my mind.

Answer
I am not sure you had headaches on the Strattera or when you went off it. However, with live pathology I would wait until the liver problem has been solved before considering Strattera. The treatment for ADHD is long term and sometimes indefinate( this sounds better than permanent!) Depending on your weight and response, 40 mg is a small dose for an adult.In my opinion with Abdominal pain, enlarged liver, eye strain and headaches, you should not be on Strattera, even though it is a good and safe medication.