Tics - does Clonadine help?

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mnewgent,

Tics are not part of ADHD. However, many kids who have ADHD do suffer from tics and many are also diagnosed with Tourettes.

The definition of Tourettes is: tics not caused by medication (like stimulants), onset of tics prior to age 18, both motor and vocal tics present although not necessarily at the same time, tics present for at least year (Although tics tend to come and go. It is normal to have some tic-free periods but to meet the diagnosis of Tourettes, the tic-free period must be shorter than 3 months out of the year). Vocal tics are not necessarily words or grunts (although those are common). Throat clearing, for instance, is classified as a vocal tic.

There are other diagnoses that involve tics besides Tourettes - multiple tic disorder, transient tic disorder, etc.

Hope that helps!

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hmxsgt,

Yes, tics *can* be caused stimulant medication. And, if they are caused by meds, they *usually* go away when the meds are discontinued. Unfortunately, they don't always. The tics may persist. It is for this reason that, if your son were mine, I would want to stop the stimulants asap. You do want to consult your doctor first - it's generally best to taper off rather than abruptly discontinue.

Some doctors will prescribe Clonidine and a stimulant together. This is usually done if the tics were present prior to the stimulant being given or if the child is so severely ADHD that he can't function without meds (very few have ADHD to that extent). I would be uncomfortable with a doctor who wanted your child to continue on a stimulant unless under those circumstances.

Clonidine is also prescribed alone to treat tics and ADHD. It can be very useful in reducing hyperactivity. It is not effective, however, at helping concentration.

The behaviors you describe do sound very much like tics to me. I wouldn't delay in consulting your md. And yes, "dexa-something" is a stimulant.

Hope that helps.

[hmxsgt]

Originally Posted by index.html

hmxsgt,

Yes, tics *can* be caused stimulant medication. And, if they are caused by meds, they *usually* go away when the meds are discontinued. Unfortunately, they don't always. The tics may persist. It is for this reason that, if your son were mine, I would want to stop the stimulants asap. You do want to consult your doctor first - it's generally best to taper off rather than abruptly discontinue.

Some doctors will prescribe Clonidine and a stimulant together. This is usually done if the tics were present prior to the stimulant being given or if the child is so severely ADHD that he can't function without meds (very few have ADHD to that extent). I would be uncomfortable with a doctor who wanted your child to continue on a stimulant unless under those circumstances.

Clonidine is also prescribed alone to treat tics and ADHD. It can be very useful in reducing hyperactivity. It is not effective, however, at helping concentration.

The behaviors you describe do sound very much like tics to me. I wouldn't delay in consulting your md. And yes, "dexa-something" is a stimulant.

Hope that helps.

Hahaha I believe it dexadrine, I couldn't remember. But ya I also read that the mixture of the clonidine and the dexadrine could be a deadly mixture, and yes we have the plan to take him asap

Helpd alot, Thanks

[index.html]

Originally Posted by hmxsgt

. But ya I also read that the mixture of the clonidine and the dexadrine could be a deadly mixture,

I don't know if you'll be checking back or not, but here goes. There were reports some time ago about there being fatalities with the combination. It turned out that there were deaths in 5 cases, but in each case, there were extenuating circumstances (ie congenital defects, etc).

Personally, I'm not as afraid of combining Dexedrine and Clonidine as I am about giving Dexedrine to a kid who has developed tics while on Dexedrine.

[momof4boys]

We have chosen to not medicate our 10 year old that has tourettes and adhd.
We have done the natural route of increasing vitamins, eliminating sugar, gluten, dairy, and soy.
We also had him in a non-medicated study where he learned responses to do instead of tics.
The tics are stil there, but the ADHD is soooo much better. No more meltdowns, can sit still and pay attention. Starts homework and works on it until he is done with out a single argument.

Even though it is expensive to feed him and give him supplements, I am so glad we chose to do this instead of medicate. Although since we have not been eating wheat as a family I feel much better physically and mentally.