Nicotine patches for Tics/ADD/ADHD

[911RN]

911RN,

 

I was wondering if your son has tried the patch yet?

 

No, not yet.... but I plan to! I am waitng until we get through some of the Lamictal wean. Decreased from 200 mg to 150 mg and tics diminished by 50%. Not gone but much improved. Has been almost 4 weeks- going down another 50 mg next week. Once I get down to 100 mg- if tics are still an issue then I am going to try the patch on a weekend and see what happens. He has been on a really good upswing at school....really good last few weeks, making good grades, involved, sharing what he is learning at school. I hate to rock the boat since he is doing pretty well and we are on the Lamictal wean. Just change one thing at a time to see what is doing what.

 

trg girl- I think the desensitization of the nicotinic receptors is sorta the beauty of the patch thing...can leave it on or take it off at your own discretion for "drug holiday." It lasts 24 hours but one could use it 6 hours a day for school or 8 to get through homework then take it off for night time to give those receptors at break. Would not have to use at all on weekends- just during school? Reportedly good for both attention, focusing and tics?? We'll see- I'll keep you all posted once I use it and his response. It has been researched quite a bit- kids using patches did not develop nicotine addiction nor any long term negative effects.

[trggirl]

Thanks 911RN! I'm really interested in hearing the results if you do try it although I understand about not rocking the boat if things are going good!

Edited November 12, 2011 by Trg girl