reaction to ADHD meds or other problem?

My 7 year old son has been on Strattera since he was 4 for ADHD.  He also took medication from age 3 to age 5 for anxiety.  He has had sudden onset of migraines since the age of 5.  He also has "fake bugs" in his legs (legs feel like they are asleep), panic attacks, mood swings, irratibality, says he doesn't want to die, and many others.  Is this a side effect of his meds or is there another problem?  

[rebbecca]

I would call his doctor asap, it sounds like side effects to me. Your doctor will be able to tell you if it is anything more. good luck

[peskysmom]

I had taken him to his dr and all they told me was that it was growing pains.  I ended up going to the ER monday night because the numbness in his legs was bothering him so bad.  The ER dr said that it might be a reaction to his Strattera and to give him a can of Mountain Dew 3 hours after he took his meds to counter act the side effects.  Is it just me or does it seem like they are taking a stab in the dark about my son?  I have asked his dr for a referal to a nurologist and to an allergist and was told that he dosen't need to go to either one of them.  But I have to have the referal to see either one of them due to insurance.  

And one of the other symptoms he has developed is almost Tourette's like symptoms where he shouts out random words.  

[karinav3]

Wow I think we try so hard to help our kids we don't even know what to give them =(  I just started my son on Ritalin today... so lets hope he doesn't get any side affects

[RockRose]

A can of mountain dew?     Wow.  When I was in 2nd grade (I'm 48 now) there weren't drugs for ADHD,  and this boy in my class who CLEARLY had hyperactivity problems had a can of mountain dew in his lunch every day.  It worked,  too,  like ritalin would.  There is more caffeine in mountain dew than in a cup of coffee,    and it's loaded with sugar.  What a stimulant!

I think you need to switch doctors,  peskysmom.  Even if you have to pay out of pocket for a couple of visits with really good doctors (ask around,  they're out there!)  it's worth it.  It doesn't sound like you're getting very good medical care.