ADHD, Concerta and Seizures
For people who have ADHD (or ADD) and Epilepsy, there has been concern over the years as to whether taking ADHD medication, such as Ritalin, may worsen seizures.
Researchers from Harvard have just presented their data from a study which reviewed the impact of Concerta on seizures. The results are reassuring for ADHD and epilepsy sufferers.
This study included 27 children, with a mean age of 10, with ADHD and epilepsy. This was a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, cross over study. In other words, it was very well designed.
In the end the researchers were able to conclude that Concerta does not induce seizures.
This should help to reassure parents of children with ADHD and seizures that Concerta is safe in this combination of disorders.
Of course it is important to review your particular situation with your doctor.
Also, as is always the case in science - replication of studies is important to verify and truly establish facts.
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Written by Dr. Kenny Handelman - The ADHD Doctor
To find get a FREE special report on ADD/ADHD Medication, visit: Medication Mastery
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May 29th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
What about the risks of Risperdal .250 mg to treat minor emotional issues (no mood disorder testing or diagnosis) in children? My son is adhd inattentive type, LD in non-verbal areas, and gifted according to wisc-iv. I know it is not FDA approved for this use but is prescribed.
As a parent, it feels like using and antipsychotic like Risperdal is a sledge hammer approach to a minor emotional problem. Your general thoughts and views about Risperdal in kids fitting this profile would be appreciated. Thanks
May 29th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Hi Ally,
Thanks for your comments.
Yes, risperidone can be used in kids, despite the fact that it is not approved by the FDA, or Health Canada for use in ADHD.
It is originally an antipsychotic - i.e. to treat schizophrenia. It was then proven to treat bipolar disorder (manic depression). It now has also been shown to help in treatment refractory depression.
In kids, it has been shown to help kids with autism, and also conduct disorder (severe behavioral problems).
Minor side effects: headache, sleepiness, 30% chance of weight gain.
Moderate side effects: risk of an increase in prolactin - a hormone which promotes breast tissue growth and potentially lactation.
Rare but big risks: elevation of cholesterol/triglycerides (thus a long term health risk); also a risk of increased blood sugar/diabetes.
When it comes to making the decision to take risperidone, one needs to balance the risks and benefits. Is risperidone the only option? Could improving the ADHD medicine make a difference to the minor mood symptoms? Are there any side effects? If this is being taken, does it have to be for the long run, or can it just be for the short term?
To learn more about medication for ADHD, please visit: http://www.ADHDMedicationCourse.com
I do plan to write more articles about these ‘add on’ medications for ADD/ADHD, but I will also cover these in the medication course that I will do at the site above.
Dr. Kenny
September 28th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Hi Dr. Kenny,
My son has ADHD and PDD-NOS. He is currently taking Concerta and his doctor recently prescribed Risperidone. About 5 years ago, he was on Ritalin and his doctor at the time had also prescribed Risperidone. What I found then and NOW is that the Risperidone seems to be interacting with the Concerta and causing it to not work. His current psychiatrist says that this is scientifically impossible. What are your thoughts on this?
September 29th, 2007 at 12:53 am
Hi,
I cannot comment on your specific situation.
What I can say is that it is relatively common to use concerta and methylphenidate together. They do not interact with one another. The risperidone may be calming, and may cause sedation, but it is unusual to have it counteract the benefits of the concerta.
It is best to go back and talk specifics with your doctor.
Dr. Kenny
October 30th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
My son just started on concerta and has been having seizures since. He was directed to stop taking the concerta by his doctor and they have begun to clear up!
March 15th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
My son started taking cocerta a little over a year and half ago. He has had 3 seizers over the past 5 months. Now he has started taking Trileptal also. I am very concered and have been debating taking him off Concerta.Would like to know your thoughts on this??
March 15th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
adding to the above comment about my son. He is 10 years old, has hearing issues as a result of recurrent ear infections. He is scheduled for having his adenoids and tonsils removed next month. He does have disturbed sleep — snoring and irregular breathing sometimes. He has very bad seasonal allergies. Hope to get a response. THX
March 15th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Hi Perm,
This is really a question for your doctor. I can’t give medical advice on a blog!
I appreciate you sharing your experience, but your doctor will have to evaluate the risks and benefits of staying on the concerta when there are seizures going on.
All the best,
Dr. Kenny
November 7th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
What is adhd-mb? My cousins son has it and is about to have surgery and if he makes it which the chances are 50/50 he will be confined to a wheel chair.. What is that MB stand for?
November 8th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Crystal,
I’m sorry to say that I don’t know what MB stands for with respect to ADHD.
I haven’t heard of that before.
Best to you and your cousin’s son.
Dr. Kenny