Expert: Norm Bishop - 12/8/2007

Question
My son was recently diagnosed with ADD and was first started on concerta 27mg, he had a rare reaction to the concert where he felt like there were bugs crawling on his skin.  That was discontinued and he was started on stratera 40mg. He was on the concerta for about 3 weeks before he had the reaction. He also, after 3 weeks on the stratera, became very depressed and had some suicidal ideation. I took him back to his doctor and he prescribed wellbutrin 100mg. I came home looked up wellburtin and say that it is not aproved for children under 18. Now I am very hesitant about giving my son this medication. Should I be concern or is this safe for my son to take?  Thanks in advance for answering my question.

Answer
I would not give my child wellbutrin, especially given the reactions to the other medications.  It is a different class of drugs than the others, and not recommended for the treatment of ADD/ADHD.  There have been good results for some kids with diet control.  Some kids do much better with a reduction or elimination of raw processed sugar, others do better with the elimination of dyes, and still others have done better with the elimination of highly processed preservatives (any food in a box or other package, prepared by only adding water, or heating in the microwave.  You may want to start first with sugar...just seriously reduce it for about 3 to 4 weeks, then observe his behavior to see if it is better, and ask his teacher if things have been better.  If there was no change, then move on to dyes (on the label as Red #5, Yellow #2, etc.).  Follow the same process, then if no change, move to reducing or eliminating packaged foods.

Another thing you may try, which has had mixed positive reactions is Apple Cider Vinegar.  Sounds really weird, but it has some very beneficial qualities, and sometimes has caused better concentration in students with ADD.  You buy apple cider vinegar that is natural and has "mother" in it.  Bragg is the best brand, and it is found in health food stores, online at www.bragg.com, or even some regular grocery stores, like Safeway, Frys, Fred Meyer, etc.  The best way to drink it is in a cup of heated water, not boiling, but at a tea type temperature.  Then you add a cap full of the vinegar and a teaspoon of honey.  It actually tastes good.  It is sipped, slowly.  

Again, wellbutrin is not for approved for use with children, or with the condition your doctor is prescribing it for, without him explaining why the thinks it will be effective, I would not given it to my son.

Norm