tics | ADHD Information

My daughter has suffered from tics. Some stims make it worse and some are less bothersome. We added Guanfacine (Tenex) this past go around and it did help some, but they did not go away completely until I took her off the Ritalin. We never had luck lowering the dose, the tics stayed and symptoms increased. I do think it is worth a try switching meds it may help. There are non stimulant options, they are just not always the first choice. Straterra is non stimulant and also tricyclic antidepressants (Despiramine, Nortyptiline) can be used (this is what we are doing), but that is generally not first choice as it requires blood work and EKG.

It is very individual. The tics can decrease with time as he adjusts to the med. They can also go away when the med is stopped. They are made worse with anxiety and come and go through childhood. Second or third line meds may be helpful (non stimulant, but also not the best for ADHD). Guanfacine can also be added for the tics and it has the bonus of helping ADHD symptoms. Look for the long Tenex thread for information.

http://www.adhdnews.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=24770& PN=2

vickie39239.9353009259

 

my son is showing signs of motor tics-moving his arms and legs in a wierd way- he is on metadate cd 20 mgs, (decreased from 30 mg because of the tics), my question is, are there any adhd meds that don't aggrevate these tics? Will they go away once the meds are discontinued?