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Melinda2boys said:
My 8 year old with ADHD is taking Strattera because he also has some tics so they didn't want to give him a stimulant. He has such big tantrums and mood swings though, is this a "normal" part of ADHD? If he doesn't get his way he gets upset, he always has to be right, he won't do anything I ask him to without a debate. HELP

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Hi Melinda

<font color="purple">I'm sorry that your having a difficult time trying to figure out the right thing by your son, but I think it's great that you are doing the right thing.

Tantrums and mood swings are normal for children with ADHD that isn't properly treated (either untreated ADHD, or the dose/medication is wrong). Also, when the medicine wears off you will likely see a resurgence of ADHD behaviors like the tantrums, mood swings, argumentative behaviors, etc. When I was a child (I have ADHD), I used to destroy anything and everything that got in my way during my massive temper-tantrums. I went untreated for many years, because they did not know that I had ADHD.

ADHD does not cause tics, so I'm thinking he has a co-morbid Tourrettes Syndrome or other Tic Disorder? Is there some other reason? Also, has he been formally diagnosed with any other disorders that could better account for the behaviors that you have described?

It isn't necessarily true that adding a stimulant medication in place of the Strattera will cause a worsening of the tics, but it is a possibility. I'd actually tell the doctor that I want to try a stimulant anyway if I were in your shoes, because the results will be noticeable within the first couple of days (maybe even hours), and you would know right away if they would affect the tics and make them worse. If they do worsen the tics, then you could adjust the dose or otherwise alter the medication, with no harm done. It's worth a shot.

With adults, I know that Strattera isn't used as a first line of defense against ADHD because it doesn't usually have the same degree of effectiveness... and there is also the matter of Strattera possibly affecting your liver and they make you take blood tests every week to 3-4 weeks to monitor the safety of the drug.

I would also like to suggest taking your son to a child psychologist who has expertise with children with ADHD... my parents didn't know I had ADHD, but they did send me to a child psychologist, and my behaviors and self esteem improved quite a bit after that ---some relapses
I dunno... I might also be so bold to suggest some counseling for you. It is very difficult to raise a child with ADHD, and very taxing on the parents. I think you should also look into something to relieve your stress as well.
Let me know how it goes and what you think.
I wish you nothing but the best Melinda </font>