Adderall XR

Question from a Reader:

This summer I took my child off XR adderall, he is not growing and his weight is below average. He is not moody any longer, the ticks are going away and he told me he is not having problems like before with attention. I do not wish to return him to meds.

How can I help him when it comes to school and behavior?

Answer from Editor:

Most of what you mention are things that you have to discuss with your doctor. But I'll do what I can to help you. You may be aware of this week's headlines about stimulants "stunting growth" in kids. I haven't yet read the study yet, but I will soon and it seems that you should too.

Regarding the "tics" that you mention, it is possible that your son suffers from Tourettes Syndrome, perhaps instead of ADHD. People with TS can have the same symptoms of ADHD, but with tics, especially when using stimulant medications. You'll have to check this out with your doctor.

What to do next?

Well, I'd recommend that you use our eating program for about two months
http://newideas.net/adhd/adhd-diet

and Attend and Extress for about two months
http://newideas.net/adhd/attend
http://newideas.net/adhd/different-types-adhd
http://www.vaxa.com/26462/index.cfm?page=636.cfm

and also check to make sure there are no environmental allergens or toxins around that
might be involved:
http://newideas.net/adhd/differential-diagnosis/mercury-chemical-toxicit...

also begin learning about Tourettes Syndrome. I like the old book Tourettes Syndrome and
Human Behavior, by David Commings at the City of Hope (City of Hope Press). Your local
library should have a copy. Its a huge book, but very readable, with about 1/3 of the
book on TS, 1/3 on ADHD, and 1/3 on the brain and treatment options. Again, it is old, so
the medication options have changed. But it is a great place to begin learning to see if
that's really what's going on with your son.

Does this help? I hope so. Please stay in touch.

Doug Cowan Psy.D.

Adderall XR Question