Dexedrine side effects

[Kimberly]

My 9 y/o was prescribed Dexedrine for ADD, responding very well but developed extreme 'facial tics' (every few seconds) Her m.d. took her off the meds - my question: Her father has Tourette's Syndrome and I'm wondering if this history will be a factor in my daughters' treatment and any future replacement drug? Thank you.

[Beth Mc]

My son has been taking Ritalin for about 5 months.  It worked very well and he improved greatly in school.  We noticed a few times that he was a bit sluggish and sleepy at times.  His daily dosage is 7.5 mg in the morning before he goes to school.  He is 6 years old and will begin Kindergarten in August.  We held him back last year due to the ADHD.  Last week we saw his pediatric neurologist and he told her that he did not like taking the medicine because he could not run fast when he took it.  She talked to him a bit and decided to change him to Dexedrine
5 mg.  I am not happy about this, and have not given it to him yet.  I am still giving him the Ritalin, but the prescription runs out shortly.  

One reason she wanted to change the meds is so that his teacher will not have to give him meds in the middle of the day.  Thus  not labeling him "Different" from the other children.  That is fine, but is the Dexedrine as good and what about the side effects.  I remember when she first started my son on the Ritalin she said that Ritalin was the best drug for a child his age. That was only 5 months ago!  

My sons Pediatritian had mentioned to me that there was a NEW and IMPROVED Time-Release Ritalin, but when I mentioned this to my sons Ped Neurologist she said she had not heard about it and wrote the prescription for Dexedrine.  Do you know of a NEW and IMPROVED Time-Release Ritalin?  What are your thoughts on changing my son from Ritalin to Dexedrine?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Kimberly,

Yes, the family history certainly enhances the likelihood of developing motor tics with stimulant medication. While it is not a certainty that your daughter will develop tics if placed on another stimulant, the chances are pretty great.