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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Melly on April 21, 2001, at 22:16:42
My son's MD is telling us that no matter what meds he goes on for his ADHD he will be required to have blood tests every 3 months. I can't find anything in the books I have that says that. Does anyone know? Thanks.
Posted by SalArmy4me on April 22, 2001, at 2:22:07
In reply to Adderal and blood tests, posted by Melly on April 21, 2001, at 22:16:42
I don't know what the blood tests are going to find. Blood levels of stimulants do not predict treatment response.
> My son's MD is telling us that no matter what meds he goes on for his ADHD he will be required to have blood tests every 3 months. I can't find anything in the books I have that says that. Does anyone know? Thanks.
Posted by stjames on April 22, 2001, at 14:45:35
In reply to Re: Adderal and blood tests, posted by SalArmy4me on April 22, 2001, at 2:22:07
Since I take a lot of meds I request blood tests every 6 months. Just the standard stuff, CBC and CHEM-20 or SMAC-20 and a liver panel. Adderal mentions noting about a required blood test(s) but since this is a young person the doc is going the extra mile, I would guess. Hopefully being extra careful will give you some comfort.
James
Posted by vlvtelvis on April 22, 2001, at 14:57:22
In reply to Adderal and blood tests, posted by Melly on April 21, 2001, at 22:16:42
I've taken stimulants for ADD for years. Maybe twice during that time have I had blood tests. I had one at the start to rule out a thyroid condition that could be masquerading as ADD, and another time to make sure it wasn't a blood sugar problem.
I suppose if he's taking a dose much larger than what is normal for his weight and age there could be a slight concern about kidney or liver damage or somthing, but I've never heard of that. Ask your doc what his reasoning is. If he's just making money off useless tests, go somewhere else.
> My son's MD is telling us that no matter what meds he goes on for his ADHD he will be required to have blood tests every 3 months. I can't find anything in the books I have that says that. Does anyone know? Thanks.
Posted by stjames on April 22, 2001, at 15:10:46
In reply to Re: Adderal and blood tests, posted by vlvtelvis on April 22, 2001, at 14:57:22
> I've taken stimulants for ADD for years. Maybe twice during that time have I had blood tests. I had one at the start to rule out a thyroid condition that could be masquerading as ADD, and another time to make sure it wasn't a blood sugar problem.
>
> I suppose if he's taking a dose much larger than what is normal for his weight and age there could be a slight concern about kidney or liver damage or somthing, but I've never heard of that. Ask your doc what his reasoning is. If he's just making money off useless tests, go somewhere else.James here....
Mine and many HMO's don't charge for tests and the cost of the test comes out of the doc's pocket.
James
Posted by Sunnely on April 22, 2001, at 18:17:35
In reply to Adderal and blood tests, posted by Melly on April 21, 2001, at 22:16:42
Hi Melly,
I don't think all meds for ADHD require mandatory "blood tests" every 3 months. However, doctor may determine, based on his clinical findings or observations, that certain lab tests may require regular monitoring while on an ADHD drug.
There is one drug wherein a certain lab test mandatory, pemoline (Cylert). There have been at least 5 cases of liver damage in children treated with pemoline for ADHD. One of the children developed a fulminant liver failure. Attempt to save him failed. He succumbed after a second liver transplant.
In view of the above cases, it is now mandatory to perform liver function tests prior to, and at least every 4-6 months during pemoline therapy. It is also recommended that pemoline not be given to patients with impaired liver function, or combined with drugs known to depress liver drug metabolism. Also, pemoline should be tried only after other meds have been used and proved ineffective in treating the ADHD.
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> My son's MD is telling us that no matter what meds he goes on for his ADHD he will be required to have blood tests every 3 months. I can't find anything in the books I have that says that. Does anyone know? Thanks.
This is the end of the thread.
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