Hey all. In addition to bipolar and high-functioning Autism, I also have ADHD. Due to the Bipolar, I am absolutely unable to tolerate stims and Strattera.
About 3 years ago, I was put on what wound up being a high dose of propranalol (another blood pressure medication) for migraine prevention. I found that in addition to cutting back on the headaches, propranalol helped with the ADHD.
The only side-effects I experience is that my bood pressure has gone from borderline high to low. (140/80-102/68). This is not dangerous except that it drops lower if I've been sitting, or especially laying down for a while, and I have to be careful when rising quickly.
As with ANY BiPolar (BP) medication, I cannot quit propranolol cold turkey due to the risk of a catastrophic rise in BiPolar (BP), and changes in heart activity.
I've heard of great results with Tenex in children, which is basically a big brother to chlonidine, also a BiPolar (BP) medication.