Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome: effects of stimulant drugs.

We reviewed the medication histories in 200 children with Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome to investigate how frequently CNS stimulants may unmask a latent syndrome or worsen existing tics. Forty-eight patients had received stimulant drugs. Nine were treated before the onset of tics, but only four were still receiving stimulants when tics began. In 39 patients with preexisting tics, stimulants increased tics in 11, caused no change in 26, and decreased tics in 2. Behavior improved in 22 patients. Thirteen of these 22 had no increase in tics when stimulants were used. Cautious trials of stimulant therapy may benefit some patients with this syndrome.