How many of your kids developed tics after taking stimulants? - ADD / ADHD Message Board

city mom · 09-04-2003, 11:27 AM

My son developed tics within a short time after taking Adderall. We took him off the Adderall immediately but he has had various motor and vocal tics ever since. It has been 4 years already.

I know stimulants often cause tics because I've spoken to many parents who have had similar expereinces. So, yes, I DO WANT TO WARN PARENTS THAT OFTEN STIMULANTS CAN AND DO CAUSE TICS AND THEY CAN SOMETIMES BE PERMANENT.

Some say the tics MIGHT have occured anyway. I do not believe that is true in the majority of cases. I don't care what some pharmeceutical supported study shows. I only wish I had read this or heard about this before I agreed to put my son on a stimulant.

How many of your kids have developed tics after using stimulants? Would you have put your child on a stimulant if you had know this?

Thank you!!

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[This message has been edited by city mom (edited 09-04-2003).]

Susi · 09-04-2003, 11:53 AM

Tic developed: Clearing of the throat. Also started nailbiting.
You also asked if I had put my child on drugs had I known he could develop tics? Answer: I would not have put my child on drugs, if I had known, that they were not even approved for kids under age 6!

[This message has been edited by Susi (edited 09-04-2003).]

[This message has been edited by Susi (edited 09-06-2003).]

LiLMissADDitude · 09-04-2003, 12:02 PM

Sad..some people dont know the true effects until they happen to their child. Tics are just one of the side effects of stimulants. It is much more common than some would like you to believe.

However, long term use of stimulant medications can have even worse after effects.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

--Pablo Picasso

Charmed · 09-04-2003, 05:59 PM

Our son developed tics also. Luckily, our family physician took him off the Adderall. I wish the Psych. Dr. who had first prescribed the medication had been more truthful about the side effects. I will never take my son to another Psychiatrist or Psychologist.

kellbrntt61 · 09-05-2003, 05:52 AM

I have had 3 sons on Ritalin and the last switched to Concerta. My eldest developed the blinking if the eyes. As the dosage was adjusted to best fit him, this tic backed off. He has been off of the medication for a few years (he is an addult) and there is no sign of the eye blinking. The second child never did develope any tics. He was OCD before that and that did not alter either...the OCD is associated with Aspergers. My youngest developed the eye blinking tic with the Concerta. He was off the Concerta for the summer and the tic went away. He is now back on it (at his request...36 mg per day) and the tic reappeared. I would have to say yes to the connection, but no to the tic being permanent. It may be with some, but not all.