alternatives to Dexadrine

Posted by anything new for ADHD and anxiety on July 21, 1999 at 13:19:01
My 10 year old daughter who is 75lbs. was diagnosed with ADHD by Conners.  She is impulsive and has trouble with social situations.  She can make friends easily but has trouble keeping them because of getting carried away and verbal aggressiveness which she doesn't seem to recall when questioned about the behaviors.  When her dad and I suggest possible ways of keeping friendships, she doesn't want to hear it because she feels there is nothing wrong with her behavior.  She gets very anxious.  An increase in anxiety was noticed in fourth grade.  Are there any other neuropsychological test she should posibly undergo?  Also, she was started on ritalin which made her depressed.  She was then switched to Dexadrine 15mg. twice a day and then to Dexadrine spansule once a day at 30mg. per day.  Because of it not taking effect immediately and inconsistencies with its effectiveness, she was switched to 35mg. spansule.  This created a paranoid psychotic state with possible hallucinations.  Instead of increasing the dosage, should we have lowered it.  Are there any other more effective medications that will take care of the ADHD and anxiety both?  Thank you

Posted by HFHS MD-JM on July 26, 1999 at 18:46:41
Anything new for ADHD,                                                                         Your 10 yr old daughter has been diagnosed with ADHD and has been treated with Ritalin and Dexedrine.  Its impossible for me to know if she also has another diagnosis such as an anxiety disorder.  If she does have another condition it needs to be defined so that treatment is appropriate.
   The medications used for ADHD are Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall (adderrall)(essentially dexedrine), Cylert-all stimulants that could potentially make anxiety worse.  Wellbutrin, an anti-depressant, which is not helpful for some types of anxiety disorders such as panic can also be used.  Clonidine and some of the older anti-depressants (Desipramine, clomipramine and norpramin) are helpful but with some risks.  The older anti-depressants are also very effective in treating anxiety disorders.
    I suggest that you discuss these issues further with your childs psychiatrist.  Ask for clarification of diagnosis and other treatment options.  There are no specific neuropsychiatric tests that I feel with this information provided would be helpful.  This information is intended for general educational purposes only. Please direct these questions to your personal physician.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD-JM
Keywords: ADHD,Ritalin, Dexedrine