Tourette’s Syndrome Beware
Here is some interesting information from the site http://physician-assistant.advanceweb.com/editorial/content/editorial.aspx?CC=41662
The summary relates to those with ADHD and speaks to the effectiveness of current medications as well as some contraindications. Often I must remind parents that these are spectrum disorders and there is much overlap among conditions. That is, for example, one can have a child with OCD and ADHD or Asperger’s Syndrome with ADHD. In this case, the warning is to those with Tourettes Syndrome and ADHD. Be careful of the conditions that your child may have and the medications they are given. The paragraph below speaks to a contraindication for the ADHD medication group if you have tics or Tourettes. Just in the last 3 months we have had 2 patients treating in our Hemisperic Integration therapy Program with that exact combination.
ADHD Drug Performed Well in StudyTreatment with once-daily Metadate CD (methylphenidate) Extended-Release Capsules by Celltech Pharma was more effective in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than treatment with another frequently used drug, according to a study recently published in the online edition of the journal Pediatrics (Swanson JM, Wigal SB, Wigal T, et al. A comparison of once-daily methylphenidate formulations in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the laboratory school [the COMACS study.] 2004;113:e206-e216).
Metadate CD was more effective than the other drug during the morning hours and the two drugs performed similarly during afternoon hours, according to a company press release. Both formulations provide an initial dose of immediate-release methylphenidate. The initial dose is followed by an extended, controlled delivery of methylphenidate. The study included 184 children between the ages of 6 and 12 with ADHD.
Metadate CD Capsules are contraindicated in patients with marked anxiety, tension and/or agitation; in patients with glaucoma, tics or Tourette’s syndrome; and within 14 days of using monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Metadate CD Capsules should be used with caution in patients with a history of psychosis, drug or alcohol dependence, seizures, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
The most common adverse reactions are headache, abdominal pain, decreased appetite and insomnia.