My 5 year old is taking Focalin XR for ADHD?

Question

It seems to be working. He is doing much better in school, his teacher has noticed significant improvements. I am somewhat worried about a potential side effect, he tends to involuntarily shake his head. Is this considered "motor tics"? could it be serious?

Answer 1

I have a son who has ADHD and he also has tics. Talk to the doctor maybe they can switch meds because some do cause tics..
Here are a few links for you.
http://www.pediatricneurology.com/adhd.htm
http://www.nativeremedies.com/focus_for_adhd1.shtmlCP=null*&srt_cookie5=1&CR_76_0=6DB575DFD7A01D0E&pmmcxOBFV5AJ8UAQ6SM2B78CVG78KJ4=1&
http://www.apa.org/topics/topicadhd.html
http://www.emedicine.com/cgi-bin/foxweb.exe/searchengine@/em/searchengine?boolean=and&book=all&maxhits=40&HiddenURL=&query=ADHD

Answer 2

Let me preface what I am about to say by stating that I do believe ADHD is real--in fact, I am diagnosed with it myself but am not taking medication right now because I am breastfeeding. I definitely notice a difference when I don't take the medication, I have a more difficult time concentrating... or maybe that's just the baby driving me nuts. ;)

That being said, Focalin XR, like other ADHD medication, is a narcotic and can have serious side effects. Please make sure you have read all you can about the drug. It can cause tics, as well as jitteriness, headaches, dizziness, visual disturbances, high blood pressure, and potential cardiac problems (with many cardiac problems, especially in kids, you don't know they are there until they become a real problem).

Long term use of stimulants has also been associated with suppressed growth--so they should be used very carefully in young kids. Focalin XR is designed for kids and adults who are 6 years of age and older.

Please think very hard about continuing to give your five year old stimulants every day. I know that they help a lot in school, but it could be potentially dangerous to his long term health, which is much more important than whether he gets Cs or As, especially in kindergarten.

Answer 3

I do not know. I'm variety of in song with grand lake bum. I do not consider in beating youngsters, however I DO consider in spanking, while warranted. Are you SURE he has ADHD? Five turns out variety of younger. I continuously heard that they do not diagnose youngsters (and get a correct analysis) till they are a minimum of 6 or 7. What used to be he like earlier than he began taking the therapy? If he has been kicked out of 2 day cares for biting/hitting, it have to be lovely rattling unhealthy, considering that many youngsters at daycare chunk, say unhealthy phrases, and so forth. Honestly--I'd take him to a psychiatrist earlier than you pump him stuffed with any longer medicinal drugs. I'm now not a kind of weirdo whack jobs who says whatever may also be cured with nutrients, however I additionally do not consider in giving a baby medicinal drugs while they are so younger and constructing (mentally, bodily, and so forth.) at this type of speedy fee. I'd get a moment opinion if I had been you.

Answer 4

If ADHD is caused by blood sugar imbalances, as some have said (this can be tested for by a 6-hour glucose tolerance test or a fasting blood insulin test), then the involuntary shaking may also be due to blood sugar imbalance.

If you want basic info on low blood sugar, check out www.hufa.org.

Answer 5

who cares?
at least your brat has calmed down and stopped disrupting the class.