[Melinda2boys]

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

My son's on Risperdal which helps him at least in some ways...

Having ADHD makes all impulses run through your brain much too fast. You react before you get the chance to think it through... yu act in an instant.
When it comes to my son... he's been very violent.... which is much better with Risperdal... although he's still got times when the impulses hits through the medication filter.

His language can be absolutely horrible... that is something the med is not working on. He blurts it out and they say he probably has tourettes as well.

There are a few things you can try when your son is beginning to act out... *boxing on a punch bag... *go out for a walk... *have his "safe haven"- a part of his room or another room that's only his and where he can learn to go when things get too much.... it should have things calming him down... things that he's interested in...*distraction (if the tantrum isn't all too bad already...
there are many more things to try...

My thoughts are with you and your kids!

[Melinda2boys]

That is really good advice. He has vocal and facial tics and they say he could be borderline touretts as well. Does Risperdal help with tics by chance? Another thing we may consider is bipolar.

[rainbow62]

Hi there,

My son is 6 yrs old and has both the ADHD, Tourettes and mood disorder diagnosis.

Before the meds started, he was waking up every hour through the nights and not sleeping during the day at all. He would have tics(both physical and verbal to include stuttering/repeating words over and over) We stopped going to mass due to the fact that he said the "sh" word during mass once and after that we were too embarrassed to go.

His mood swings included violent behaviors(spitting, throwing things, hitting, kicking, etc). He takes Risperdal which controls the violence and the hallucinations he also had. It also controls tics(for him) and whenever the tics surface noticibly, we know it's time to increase dosages.

He can't take any of the ADHD meds so far because it has adverse effects for him. He's tried Strattera along with 4 other ADHD meds but right now he's only taking Risperdal, Tenex, Focalin and to help him fall asleep at night he takes Melatonin, It doesn't KEEP him sleeping because when he gets night terrors, he still wakes up 1-2 times per night.

[Melinda2boys]

My son goes to the doctor today and maybe I should bring some of this up. I may see if we can increase his Strattera a bit too. His tics are getting a little worse too. Maybe he has tourettes or bipolar too?????????

[rainbow62]

I wouldn't go as far to wonder if he has other diagnosis as well. We used to do that and go bonkers just trying to diagnosis our son as parents lol.

As long as your son's doctor treats any "symptoms", you'll be fine. Just remember that alot of diagnosis symptoms overlap and are similar. For us, we don't want any more labels for our boy and as long as the meds controls violence, impulsivity to a certain extent, we're happy with that for now.

How did the doctor appt go?

[Simcha]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
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

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">
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>

[Melinda2boys]

Well I took my son to his pediatrician yesterday and he checked my son's height and weight and temp. But he didn't check his blood. He left him on the same dose of Strattera 35 mg until the script runs out and then he is going to be on 36 mg so I don't have to keep paying two copays. I talked to the pediatrician about his tantrums and moodswings and tics and he referred us to a child psychologist. He has had the tantrums, moodswings, and tics for a long time, long before he was diagnosed this April with ADHD and started on Strattera. I had hoped that the strattera would help with the mood swings and tantrums and maybe tics but it didn't. I don't think it has made it worse either but I really do think he may have tourettes or child onset bipolar. His appointment with the psychologist is Aug 6, that seems like so far away. I have made me a counseling appointment for July 23

[Simcha]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Melinda2boys said:
Well I took my son to his pediatrician yesterday and he checked my son's height and weight and temp. But he didn't check his blood. He left him on the same dose of Strattera 35 mg until the script runs out and then he is going to be on 36 mg so I don't have to keep paying two copays. I talked to the pediatrician about his tantrums and moodswings and tics and he referred us to a child psychologist. He has had the tantrums, moodswings, and tics for a long time, long before he was diagnosed this April with ADHD and started on Strattera. I had hoped that the strattera would help with the mood swings and tantrums and maybe tics but it didn't. I don't think it has made it worse either but I really do think he may have tourettes or child onset bipolar. His appointment with the psychologist is Aug 6, that seems like so far away. I have made me a counseling appointment for July 23

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">
That's good news about the counseling appointment for you. Exercise is a strategy that I use a lot to de-stress.
I'm not sure how they handle bloodwork with children on Strattera. I think with most adults it's monthly, but I could be wrong. Your pediatrician had nothing to say about the cause of the tics?
I doubt your son has Bipolar Disorder, which is a good thing. More than likely, the Strattera isn't at it's optimal dose, or he needs a different type of medication from the stimulant class, which is most frequently given for ADHD.
I'm very happy that your son is going to see a child psychologist! YAY!!! He probably has a lot of experience with ADHD, and can write a report with his findings for your pediatrician too.

Melinda2boys... can you and others around him like the teacher... figure out why he gets angry and what's triggering him?

I find that most of the time when it comes to my son it's something behind his outbursts. It can be something worrying him very much... like an upcoming event that's new to him, someone having said something that has made him sad and confused... or even thoughts and worries about his own diagnosises... what they mean and what's going to happen to him in the future...

Pen and paper is very good to use. When my son seem anxious I sit down and ask him to draw or write down how he's feeling and what he's thinking. It's often easier to visualize through drawing and writing than using the spoken word. I try to be as silent as possible doing this and then I reply to my son through writing and drawing myself.
This can also be done after a tantrum when he's calmed down a bit.

Many times I've found out what's wrong and what's bothering him by using this method. Then me and my hubby have been able to help our son to deal with his worries.

Just a thought....

Thinking of you and I admire your fighting spirit to help your beloved sons!

[Melinda2boys]

I really like the idea about having him write down or draw his thoughts on paper. I am going to start trying that after his tantrums. I am just trying to get through one day at a time. I really think if we try a stimulant medication instead of his strattera he may calm down a bit. I really think he may be bipolar, have tourettes or oppositional defiant disorder or just really agressive adhd.

[Melinda2boys]

Well I managed to change my 8 year old's appointment with a counselor to July 9th. I am so excited. I have been reading alot about bipolar, Oppositional Defian Disorder, and Tourette's. I really think he is a combination of ADHD, Tourette's, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. There is a medication I did some research on too called Catapres that helps kids with ADHD, Tourette's, etc. Maybe the doctor will put him on that to try if he does infact have Tourette's.

[Simcha]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Melinda2boys said:
Well I managed to change my 8 year old's appointment with a counselor to July 9th. I am so excited. I have been reading alot about bipolar, Oppositional Defian Disorder, and Tourette's. I really think he is a combination of ADHD, Tourette's, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. There is a medication I did some research on too called Catapres that helps kids with ADHD, Tourette's, etc. Maybe the doctor will put him on that to try if he does infact have Tourette's.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

I have never heard of Catapres for ADHD, but I'll look it up to satisfy my curiosity.

That is a really good idea about the drawing and writing part. I don't know why I forgot, but my mother used to sit me down to draw whenever I acted out like your son did, and it worked pretty well most of the time.
Yay for the earlier appointment. I hope it all works out okay, and hopefully your fears will be at least partly unfounded!!!

[Melinda2boys]

Yes I can't wait. I really hope I get some answers that day. It is getting so hard.

[rainbow62]

Hi Melinda!

My boy started on Catapres when he was 2.5 yrs old. I believe the name of the medication was Clonidine. I'm sorry I don't remember the initial dose but that med had to be steadily increased as he grew.

It was the best medication at the time and what it did was slow him down in all areas. He no longer kicked me and others at the school bus stop(anxiety issues) and did not impulsively run out into the street(or try to). He could concentrate better and it helped with violence issues as well. I think that was a blood pressure medicine that just calmed him down noticibly!

We opted to ween him off that med and try out the over the counter, Melatonin, just because it was more natural. Clonidine also helps with sleep disorders and helps a person fall asleep( not necessarily used to KEEP them asleep). Clonidine is also found in patches which can be attached to the back(those may cause rashes or irritation).

Again, I'm just sharing from our own personal experience with our son. The doctor is the best one to help you with types of meds to try and the doses! Good luck!

[Melinda2boys]

Thank you for the advice. I didn't know they had a similiar medication over the counter. I will look into it.

[Melinda2boys]

Well my son went to the psychologist yesterday and he dx'd him with also having Chronic Motor Tic Disorder, and Depression. I talked to him about the tantrums and moods and he said it could be part of the ADHD and gave me some things to try when parenting. He said if he has a tantrum or mood swing I am supposed to set a timer for 10 min and let him have his tantrum and if he stops before the 10 min turn off the timer. He said other parents have tried it and it stops the tantrums fairly soon. He also gave my son homework and that is to say okay mom if I ask him to do something like clean his room, get ready for bed, do his homework, etc. So we will see. He also thinks if we give him a medication along with his Strattera for his tics they will maybe supress a bit.

[Melinda2boys]

Well I we went to the psychiatry appointment. I really like her. She is going to leave my son on Strattera for now but she has added Risperdal 0.25 mg. She said it should help with the tics and maybe with some of his tantrums. I am nervous to try a new medication though.

I hope for some relief for both you and your son through this new med.

[Melinda2boys]

Me too, he is going to start it tonight so we can watch him more on the weekend. Thank you for all of your support. How are you?

[POLAR_K1NG]

Hi there i am bi polar ADHD and im only 15 and yes Risperdal will carm him down as i am on 2 mg of that and 200 mg of Carbamazepine iv had a lot of mental stress and manic times i say get him on anger manigment as well as the meds its helped me alot.
bye for now Jon Armstrong

[Melinda2boys]

I am glad to hear that it helps you. I hope it helps my son like it helped you.

[Melinda2boys]

Well so far so good on the Risperdal. He started taking in 7/19/08 in the evening and hasn't complained of any side effects except being a little sleepy. So we are off to a good start.

[Melinda2boys]

My son has been taking Risperdal 0.25 mg for his tics but it almost seems like his tics are getting worse. I called his psychiatrist Monday and she said to keep trying for 10 more days. Has anyone else experienced this?