Ritalin to treat low arousal?

[newmothermary]

Has anyone had success in treating their los' low arousal with ritalin or aritalin-based med like Concerta? Devon (4 yrs) always looks and acts tired. When she tries to concentrate or focus on something, it will just wipe her out.The last neuro we saw suggested it and it blew me away because I always thought Ritalin was something that is for hyperactive kids. Devon could not be more the opposite, but I guess its about helping them focus? Anyway. TIA!

[QueenOfTheMeadow]

A lot of hyperactive kids are actually hyperactive because they are trying to stimulate their brains. So in reality, they have low arousal and use activity to pick it up. So ritalin, like caffein is actually a stimulant that helps them to focus without figiting. So maybe that's what the doctor is thinking?

[TzippityDoulah]

Originally Posted by QueenOfTheMeadow

A lot of hyperactive kids are actually hyperactive because they are trying to stimulate their brains. So in reality, they have low arousal and use activity to pick it up. So ritalin, like caffein is actually a stimulant that helps them to focus without figiting. So maybe that's what the doctor is thinking?

very interesting! I never thought about it that way!

I'd be concerned about the long term effect of putting a kid on a stimulant however. low arousal is a symptom, not a diagnosis so I'd be concerned about first finding out what was causing it before I attempted to medicate it. Have they already tested her for various things like her thyroid and pituitary gland? Do they feel they know what's causing the "low arousal"? that would be my first question to the doc. and if he said "some people just have it".... well for me that's a cop out answer lol. I mean some diagnosis are mysteries... but there IS a reason, even if it's a mysterious one.

[newmothermary]

Devon is def a mystery child. We've been on the hunt for a dx for 4 yrs now. We've been through so many neuro, geneticists, specialists and so, so many tests. She has been tested inside out for mito/metabolic disorders. The muscle bx (fresh) and lumbar was neg. The mtDNA showed nothing out of the ordinary.

At the point, the best I can do is to treat the symptoms. If ritalin can help her be more alert, I'm more than happy to try it.
Devon does have a sz disorder as well as central apnea (bipap at night) Her sz are quite well controlled with Depakote. I'm aware that patients with a sz disorder should take special precaution with stimulants. I'm waiting to speak with our epi/neuro to get her opinion.