23rd May 2006
Yes, pinkeetoz, it is possible to have tics and not have Tourettes Syndrome. I gave the criteria of Tourettes on page 1 of this thread. Short of Tourettes, a person can have isolated tics, transient tic disorder or even a multiple tic disorder (that doesn't meet the criteria of Tourettes).
As a general rule, stimulants are best avoided for those with tics as they can make tics worse. If the tics first appeared while on stimulants, most docs would want to discontinue stimulants. That said, though, occasionally patients find that their tics are actually diminished on stimulants. That was the case for my son. SGH gave you her experience of which meds worked best for her (although, medically speaking, Adderall is not a "less severe" stimulant).
In some cases, if the tics are not especially severe and the ADHD is, it is decided to continue treatment with stimulants. Sometimes, clonidine is given with the stimulants to help control the tics. Clonidine is nice because it also helps with sleep. Alternately, Strattera can be used. Or one of the antidepressants (like Wellbutrin).
Hope this helps!
As a general rule, stimulants are best avoided for those with tics as they can make tics worse. If the tics first appeared while on stimulants, most docs would want to discontinue stimulants. That said, though, occasionally patients find that their tics are actually diminished on stimulants. That was the case for my son. SGH gave you her experience of which meds worked best for her (although, medically speaking, Adderall is not a "less severe" stimulant).
In some cases, if the tics are not especially severe and the ADHD is, it is decided to continue treatment with stimulants. Sometimes, clonidine is given with the stimulants to help control the tics. Clonidine is nice because it also helps with sleep. Alternately, Strattera can be used. Or one of the antidepressants (like Wellbutrin).
Hope this helps!