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ADHD meds and seizures
Sat, 09/16/2006 - 07:35Topic: Medication Issues
Hi,
Have you seen the new report on ADHD drug warning and increase in seizures? I happened to do a search because my daughter had been on Strattera around the time she had her first noticeable seizure. A Brittish report came out in Feb. 2006, stating there has been a link with Strattera and an increase in seizure activity. So, I dug deeper. In August 2006, the FDA approved to add seizures as a side affect to all ADHD drugs. They recommend that if you have a history of seizures, or uncontrolled seizures, that these drug be used in caution.
After seeing my daughter's seizure, I realized she had had them before. The others were before taking Strattera, but she had a really large one and the frequency has increased after Strattera. I don't know if that is what definately caused the increase, but it sure is interesting.
Lori
Comments
Re: Re: ADHD meds and seizures
Submitted by jmccand on Sat, 2007-02-24 - 09:41
Cheryl,
My daughter no longer takes medication for ADD. Her neurologist believes the use of these two types of medication is not a good mix. Her previous neurologist however, wanted to start her back on Strattera, but I was not comfortable with it. In the publication, EPILEPSY IN CHILDREN: LEARNING AND SCHOOL PERFORMANCE, it states
"Concerns have been raised that medications used to treat ADHD- which are usually stimulants - may increase the likelihood of seizures in some, but not all, children with epilepsy. At the time, these medications are often used in children with epilepsy. Parents concerned about ADHD and stimulant medications should discuss their concerns with the doctor."
I am in no way trying to make medication decisions for others. However, I would encourage discussing it with your doctor. I feel Strattera, had a big role in increasing my daughter's seizures. THAT IS MY OWN OPINION. I feel she would have seizures even without Strattera, but I do believe it increased the frequency. However, with that said, it is also what brought her epilepsy to the forefront and made us aware of what was really going on. It was a mixed blessing.
Lori
Re: Re: Re: ADHD meds and seizures
Submitted by cbrownwesandsons on Sun, 2007-02-25 - 15:06
Hi Lori,
Thanks for your thoughts. Is your neuro concerned with mixing anti-seizure meds with ADHD meds or just the use of ADHD meds alone? My son does not take anti-seizure meds at this point. I did ask his neuro if he thought the strattera had anything to do with the seizures and he said no. At this point, my son is doing fine with taking the strattera at dinnertime so, I'll wait and see what happens.
Thanks again and I hope your daughter is doing well.
Cheryl
Re: ADHD meds and seizures
Submitted by Amy Townsend on Mon, 2011-07-25 - 17:50
My daughter, 10 started Strattera 10 mg 2x a day in December. Instead of one seizure she would have three about an hour apart. She has her from sleep also. ( once to twice a month ) We mentioned the increased number at her March appointment but he decided to add Medadate 10 mg in the am and keep the Strattera 10mg in the afternoon/pm The Doctor had mentioned the seizures might increase, but at our appointment today he dismissed it and decided to take her off of it. We are on to another one for bedtime Lyrica.... I am beginning to feel like we are a test for these different medicine's to see what will work for her. Meanwhile we wait for adolecence to kick in.