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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Does Tegretol (Epilepsy medicine) work for ADHD?
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Does Tegretol (Epilepsy medicine) work for ADHD?
by seeker2003, Feb 03, 2003 12:00AM
My child is 5 years old and has been presenting progressive behavior disorders since almost one year ago. He has been just recently diagnosed with ADHD and the neurologist has indicated that Tegretol medicine (2ml twice a day, his weight is 75 pounds) is the best therapy for the kid.
I am really concerned about:
1. Information I found is that Tegretol is a treatment for epilepsy and isn’t for ADHD;
2. About secondary effects (liver, kidney, etc);
She mentioned that if Tegretol does not work, she may prescript Concerta medicine. Does make sense to give an epilepsy medicine to a kid with ADHD?
Previously I went with a different physician, and in 5 minutes diagnosed ADHD and recommended Ritalin prescription. I had my concerns due to the lack of any further analysis, so I went to a different neurologist pediatric, and it seems the same, I have a lot of doubts.
I don’t know what to do other than go to a different specialist, but I’m afraid that will happen the same. I am looking for any advise that can lead me to treat properly my child by an professional specialist.
Please advise.
Regards,
I am really concerned about:
1. Information I found is that Tegretol is a treatment for epilepsy and isn’t for ADHD;
2. About secondary effects (liver, kidney, etc);
She mentioned that if Tegretol does not work, she may prescript Concerta medicine. Does make sense to give an epilepsy medicine to a kid with ADHD?
Previously I went with a different physician, and in 5 minutes diagnosed ADHD and recommended Ritalin prescription. I had my concerns due to the lack of any further analysis, so I went to a different neurologist pediatric, and it seems the same, I have a lot of doubts.
I don’t know what to do other than go to a different specialist, but I’m afraid that will happen the same. I am looking for any advise that can lead me to treat properly my child by an professional specialist.
Please advise.
Regards,
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Feb 04, 2003 12:00AM
, Feb 04, 2003 12:00AM
There is a forum here on medhelp that knows more about the treatment of children than I do but for what it is worth, Tegretol is not a primary medication for add, and it has many potentially dangerous side effects. I can see how it might be used for that since it does control impulsive behavior.
I think you should go back to the first doctor,or question this doctor more about his or her reasoning, or ask this question on the child behavior forum.
I think you should go back to the first doctor,or question this doctor more about his or her reasoning, or ask this question on the child behavior forum.
