Question:
Strattera, Will is cause weight gain?

I was diagnosed today with OCD and ADD. I am 2 years post op. Originally over 500 lbs. As of today 219.6. To put it lightly I am crazy about my weight. To the point to psychosis. I am scared to death of ANY weight gain. If anyone has any experience with this med post op please let me know.    — Navada L. (posted on August 4, 2010)

August 4, 2010
I've never heard of the drug however there are at least three ways to find out. Call your doctors office and ask. Look at the warnings the pharmasist gave you. Look it up online.
   — Caribou ME

August 7, 2010
Navada: I am the mother of 2 daughters who take ADHD meds. Straterra is NOT a stimulant, but there are many ADD meds that are. Perhaps you might want to ask your doc to at least initially trial you on a stimulant med that will work like a "diet pill" and will keep you from (over)eating--or at least eating more. Most stimulant meds work like that and along with your postop status you should be fine. If I had invested as much time and effort into my WL to date that you have I would say that you have cause to be concerned, but don't overcompensate for your fear or you will find yourself going overboard. (Hope that makes sense)?!? With that said there are lots of stimulant meds (Straterra is not one) but there is Focalin, Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, etc. All stimulant meds you might trial before trying one that will not stimulate wt. loss. Just talk with your doc and make sure s/he knows your WLS hx. Lots of luck with your journey.
   — momeego

August 9, 2010
I started taking 100mg. of Strattera after my surgery (RNY), 4 months ago, and so far the lbs. have consistently been melting off of me! Todate, I have lost 80 lbs. and I am thrilled! I must mention that I also work out with a trainer 3 days a week. As far as the strattera goes, I'm not so sure it's working as well as I need it to. I did try Adderall a few times prior to surgery and found my concentration much better, however it IS a controlled substance, and can be addictive. Hope this helps!
   — totally_blessed2

December 17, 2010
Strattera is used for it's Non Amphetamine ingredients that assist ADD suffers with the ability to concentrate easier, stay focused so forth... I am guessing that if your diagnosed OCD that you were put on "Something" for that which usually are Serotonin Reuptakers- Zoloft, Pristiqe so forth. These do have a side effect of weight gain. Some doctors perscribe stimulants with them to offset the weight gain. But a New Adult bieng diagosed with ADD is usually a true misdiagnosis and the "ADD symptoms" if you read anything all over the medical internet will show you can be the same signs and symptoms of General Anxiety, OCD and several other diagnosis including the one I contribute my to- LIFE! I did not have ADD throughout adolesence or college- I developed the similar ADD symptoms with having kids and more responsiblities. I went back for a 2nd career and began Adderall to help with grades. Since I stayed on it because it does help with concentration and so forth, but do I trully believe it is ADD NO. That is what is put on the chart to allow billing and less work for the Doctor in properly figuring out that it is Generalized Anxiety related to LIFE. Your not going to get any of the amphetamine based ADD meds just because he diagnosed you with ADD. They are highly controled as a Shedule II and addictive plus you build tolerence and need to take more as the years go by. Yes people loose weight on these. I don't gain- But my teeth have suffered as a consequence for bieng on them. Your bigger thoughts should not bieng gaining weight- it should be on getting a proper diagnosis for the right medication as Strattera can cause worsening of symptoms in children including rage and violence. It is a Pediatric (Childrens) medication sometimes used for adults when they were on it before 18 or because the Dr doesn't want the liability of the controlled substances. If your having Psychosis problems any stimulant or ADD med may cause worsening of that- you don't sleep or eat right and go go go. Read the medication information provided on the internet and you might be able to lessen your crazyness- any Add med is not going to cause weight gain but may not enable weight loss for you either. They are never used to treat OCD alone as it usually worsens the OCD. Maybe consider the Pristiqe as it is a SSR and Noriepinephrine medication that would curb your OCD, Depression and ADD like symptoms. It also would cut the side effects of bieng on a ADD med down.
   — rgreathouse