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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MelindaJ on June 14, 1999, at 12:34:36
My eight-yr-old step-son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder last summer and was prescribed Depakote and an A/D. Aside from his depression with suicidal actions, he was prone to "rages." As a five-yr-old he was diagnosed with ADHD and given Ritalin. Because the Ritalin made his agressive outbursts worse (even with clonidin(sic)), it was discontinued. Now, he's been taken off the Depakote and given Adderall (another stimulant). My husband doesn't have custody of this child so we don't know the full medical story. My question is: Won't Adderall or any other stimulant have the same effect as Ritalin? I would appreciate input from anyone who's had any improvement or exacerbation of anger and agression while on similar meds. Thanks!
Posted by Elizabeth on June 14, 1999, at 20:16:46
In reply to Agressive Behavior and Stimulants , posted by MelindaJ on June 14, 1999, at 12:34:36
Hi there.
I don't think you can say for sure, but there is a good chance that Adderall would have the same effect as Ritalin. On the other hand, they're not identical; I myself had a bad reaction to Ritalin but have been able to take other stimulants without trouble.
About the "rages:" I don't know if this applies to kids, but some adults have "anger attacks" which are usually handily treated by SSRI antidepressants (Prozac etc.). Also, did the Depakote help?
I know this is easier said than done, but it really would be preferable if both of your step-son's parents were involved in his treatment, regardless of the custody arrangements, since he is spending at least some of his time staying with you and your husband.
Best of luck to you....
Posted by MelindaJ on June 15, 1999, at 13:28:26
In reply to Re: Agressive Behavior and Stimulants , posted by Elizabeth on June 14, 1999, at 20:16:46
> Hi there.
>
> I don't think you can say for sure, but there is a good chance that Adderall would have the same effect as Ritalin. On the other hand, they're not identical; I myself had a bad reaction to Ritalin but have been able to take other stimulants without trouble.
>
> About the "rages:" I don't know if this applies to kids, but some adults have "anger attacks" which are usually handily treated by SSRI antidepressants (Prozac etc.). Also, did the Depakote help?
>
> I know this is easier said than done, but it really would be preferable if both of your step-son's parents were involved in his treatment, regardless of the custody arrangements, since he is spending at least some of his time staying with you and your husband.
>
> Best of luck to you....Elizabeth,
Thank you for your response! I believe Depakote was very helpful in stabilizing him during the crisis he went through last summer. He more or less took himself off the drug by hiding it under his tongue and then spitting it out. This was discovered during a routine check of his blood. His doctor decided to discontinue Depakote for a while to see how he does. I also agree that we should know more about this child and his condition but we live over 350mi away. Given the strained relationship between his parents and the fact that physicians are reluctant to communicate directly with non-custodial parents, we do the best we can. As a non-biological parent, I'm limited to gathering information and making suggestions.
This is the end of the thread.
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