21st November 2003
My daughter is 10yo ADHD, OCD, Tourette's, etc. Her diagnoses have been ongoing since 3 yo.
Her tics are primarily verbal and facial, and the TS is the mildest problem. She takes Concerta and clonidine. The clonidine at a very low dose helps to reduce the tics and somewhat to break the OC fixations. She has not taken strattera, as concerta does not have a major effect on her tics. Other stimulants have though, especially dexedrine. That is an individual thing. If the strattera doesn't work, you may not want to completely rule out stimulants.
Also a thing to remember is that the tics "wax and wane" so that if they get worse or better on a med change, it may not even be the med. For example, my daughter always gets worse every spring with what is most likely allergies. We don't change meds then usually, or we make a temporary adjustment.
It is a good idea to start meds or change doses on weekends or school breaks. I do that with my daughter so that I can report first-hand on the effects. I also do that with my 10yo step- daughter who is ADD only. I do this with any medications or vitamins or supplements that any of my 5 children start- even OTC cold meds.
Good luck with the strattera. I understand it takes some patience getting started. Keep us posted!
Her tics are primarily verbal and facial, and the TS is the mildest problem. She takes Concerta and clonidine. The clonidine at a very low dose helps to reduce the tics and somewhat to break the OC fixations. She has not taken strattera, as concerta does not have a major effect on her tics. Other stimulants have though, especially dexedrine. That is an individual thing. If the strattera doesn't work, you may not want to completely rule out stimulants.
Also a thing to remember is that the tics "wax and wane" so that if they get worse or better on a med change, it may not even be the med. For example, my daughter always gets worse every spring with what is most likely allergies. We don't change meds then usually, or we make a temporary adjustment.
It is a good idea to start meds or change doses on weekends or school breaks. I do that with my daughter so that I can report first-hand on the effects. I also do that with my 10yo step- daughter who is ADD only. I do this with any medications or vitamins or supplements that any of my 5 children start- even OTC cold meds.
Good luck with the strattera. I understand it takes some patience getting started. Keep us posted!