Epilepsy and ADD, Help! - Epilepsy Message Board

jake's-mom · 11-10-2004, 07:52 PM

Jake is 8 and having no seizures on Lamictal, but his ADD is effecting his school work. He is very smart, but can't keep up at school. He isn't ADHD, he's not Hyper and he doesn't have behavior problems. He just can't stay focused. His teachers are concerned and he is upset because he always feels like he is behind and in trouble at school.

We tried Straterra and he developed several tics. we are backing him off now and I don't know what to do to help him. Any suggestions anyone?

Wendy and Jake

kayakmom · 11-10-2004, 08:13 PM

I have a friend who has a daughter with both ADD and epilepsy. They use Concerta and it has helped. My son has both ADD and E. We are trying a caffeine challenge to see if it helps his concentration. He does a bit better when he has it. He is very annoyed at the loss of concentration. He will have a mini coke in the morning and it has helped.

ADD and E are pretty common to have together....

KaitiePrincess · 11-11-2004, 11:45 PM

Hey, I have 'em both. I'm 22 and it's been fun 'shrugs'. The E is old news, the Add diagnosis / treatment is New(ish) - but thank GOD I'm getting help for it now. My marks are like - supa high! (Whereas even getting myself to school was so/so before).

I'm taking Topamax 350mg / day and Ritalin (such STEREOTYPES which I hate) between 30mg and 60mg a day as needed. (Min 30mg / day). I tried going to class two days ago without it...holy-man alive...quelle disastre! I was like ITCHY I wanted out so bad.

Seizures are STILL not solved. CP's. Doctor's appointment on the 22nd of November...will probably add the evil Keppra to the mix. Pray no.

Anyway. It's not so bad. My Neuro wasn't too impressed to learn I was taking R, as it was supplied by a second specialist - but agreed to work around it as I was very impressed with it myself. It has been known to increase seizures though so we're at the 'test stage'.

Whats great about ritalin and things like it? Stimulant...so it keeps me awake...Topamax tends to put me right to sleep so when I mix the two I am pretty level...it's a nice place to be. And YES, they go together. Neuro confirmed this

. Phew!

Yup. Thats about it.
Kaitie.

cheysmom · 11-27-2004, 03:11 PM

my daughter is 10 yrs old. She is taking Depakote ER for her epilepsy and is taking Adderall XR for her adhd. She seems to be doing very well. Her grades have even improved. I know this isnt the case for everyone but I suggest talking to your doctor about side affects and drug interactions. Good Luck!!!!

jake's-mom · 11-30-2004, 11:18 PM

Thanks for all the info. Adderall worked great for him before E. We took him off when he started having seizures. Caffein worked great too, but for some reason he has developed an eye blinking tick when he has any stimulants. Even the stratterra caused ticks and it isn't supposed to be a stimulant. Our Neuro says these ticks are not caused by the Lamictal, but it is so strange to me that he never had any of these strange ticks, sniffs, or twitches before E. Now our Neuro RXd Clonidine for the ticks. He said it may help his attention as well. So far the only benefit is that an hour after he takes it, he falls sound a sleep. He can't even stand up or take his clothes off. It's a great cure for the "Lamictal Insomnia" but that's about it. He still can't finish his class work and he's blinking away. My sweet little boy can't catch a break these days.

On the bright side, I'm thankful for the seizure control!!!

I'll keep checking for any more advise.

Wendy and Jake