Stimulants causing tics - please help
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He still had tics on Ritalin, but they were much worse on Adderall. We just ended up putting up with a few tics here and there and stayed with the Ritalin, because it helped so much.
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Same here... except we switched from Focalin to Vyvanse and tics remained. We are putting up with them because the vyvanse is otherwise wonderful.
Audrey
Thanks for your response Diane V. I probably will give Strattera a try eventually. I guess my reasoning is that if the stims work so well, because Strattera works differently, it therefore won't be as effective. I've also done a lot of reading on-line, studies where they've compared Strattera to stims, and for the majority, stims are more effective. I know each case is individual so I won't rule it out. I wish I heard more positive comments about Strattera -- thanks for your input.
[QUOTE=momofgirls]Thanks for your response Diane V. I probably will give Strattera a try eventually. I guess my reasoning is that if the stims work so well, because Strattera works differently, it therefore won't be as effective. I've also done a lot of reading on-line, studies where they've compared Strattera to stims, and for the majority, stims are more effective. I know each case is individual so I won't rule it out. I wish I heard more positive comments about Strattera -- thanks for your input.
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It's NOT the same as a stimulant. That, however, does not mean it is not effective. You won't see that dramatic change like with stims. For us, and this is a big for us, she just seems "normal" to me. She doesnt seem "medicated". She is pretty much the same all day/evening. She is still talkative and has to be reminded to be on task, BUT, I used to go from a girl who couldnt get out of her own way, walked in circles, poked you if she walked by you, interrupted everyone, had to be first (you get it) to some one hyperfocused and quiet, but also "nerved up" and "ticcy" and wouldnt eat.
Everyone is different.
same here, sally is back on concerta 18mg after been taken off due to haveing severe trouettes the doctor reckon it could of being caused throu a virual infection as she did clam down after a few months. as i said she is back on it and does have tic's, but sally had tic's before she was medicated so i put it down to being part of the adhd, I do tend to ingore when she is ticing away as too much attention only make's it worse unless she is distrssted.
I feel your pain! My dd has severe ADHD and had to come of her meds -- she was on focalin which was a miracle drug for her symptoms. The past 3 months have been terrible. We're getting notes every other day, asked to leave her beloved ballet class, etc. So far we've tried Concerta -- also caused tics, tenex -- didn't cause tics but made her too sleepy and didn't help with attention, adderall xr we're up to 20mg and haven't seen an improvement yet. I'm hesitant to try Strattera. The doctor said this too can cause tics so I feel like I shouldn't even bother. I plan to keep trying until we find something that works. If we have to live with the tics then so be it -- it's obviously not something I want but she really can't function without the meds.
You also may want to be sure the stims are causing the tics and not that he's developing tics anyway. My son started tics around 5 or 6, before we started stims. Thats the usual age they first appear.
He still had tics on Ritalin, but they were much worse on Adderall. We just ended up putting up with a few tics here and there and stayed with the Ritalin, because it helped so much.
momofgirls, for the majority of people the plus to Strattera is that is does NOT increase tics. Obviously there's exceptions to eery rule. I have to tell you, it has been the best as far as tics go for us. Dont' rule it out completely, especially if your child is mainly inattentive. My daughter did have tics on Daytrana, but they were minimal and we could live with them.
Pay close attention to the time of tics. My boys have tics but the medicine (concerta and vyvanse) actually reduces them during the day. If you give him the medicine and send him off to school the tics may be getting worse because the medicine is wearing off.
Hi,
My 5 year old son has been taking 3/4 of 5 mg. of Focolin for about 3
weeks. It has helped a lot and has been short of a miracle for us, but
sadly he has developed a vocal tic and now eye blinking. They weren't
that noticeable at first, but are now becoming more apparent. I think
we're going to have to either switch stimulants (he tried Adderall, but did
horribly on this) or Strattera. He's extremely hyper and impulsive, so not
sure Strattera is even our best choice, given the hyperactivity.
Has anyone's child developed tics with one stimulant, but didn't have tics
after switching to a new stimulant? Or are we looking at the Strattera
route? Any other meds you can suggest? I'm talking to my doctor
tomorrow so I want to be armed with enough information to discuss
some options with him.
Thanks.
My son was just off meds for about a month because he had started with tics of his head,shoulders,& neck.He was on risperdal(which helped with his mood) & datrayna which didnt seem to do anything for the hyperness.Now he is on clonodine which was just started a week ago & seems to be helping with his hyperness a little bit but i have noticed the tics are not there as much.It helps him fall asleep at night which was a big problem without any meds.That's a plus but now I'm in need for something for his violent behavior.Hopefully the psychiatrist I'm taking hm to see monday will have more answers for his mood.It's very bad at home right now with his moods.I hope you can find a med that will help the tics.maybe your doctor will consider CLONODINE.Hope everything works out for you.
Then a male teacher told me about his tics and my boss talked about her brother's. All before retalin!
I don't stress it now. I even notice that it is worse when the medicine is wearing off and it comes and goes, so it's not tourettes. Ask your doctor, before your worry.
Thanks Miranda.. that does make me feel better! I will ask around!
I just last night realized that my 8 year old son has tics. He is on Adderall XR 10mg
I found this message board looking for some information about this. Doesn't look like I can do anything about it from what everyone is saying :(
For the first time since medicating my son I am scared to death that I am giving him something that is going to cause some sort of damage to him later in life. I certainly hope not though. I wish there were better answers for ADHD... it makes me angry sometimes to think about how little is understood yet it is so common.
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