My son had a lot of problems with Clonidine. It made him very sleepy and he perspired all the time. It's actually a blood pressure medication so no matter what happens in the next couple of weeks, be sure that when he goes off it, that it is tapered slowly. Going off Clonidine fast can cause a rebound effect with blood pressure.

Clonidine is usually a first choice in medication to treat tics, if indeed a medication is needed. If the medication is to be changed by his doctor, then it's going to be one that's even more heavy duty unfortunately. Tics do wax and wane naturally as well, so sometimes if there appears to be an improvement when a medication is started, it can in realitity be a natural waning.

His school should have a no-bullying campaign in place for all students. My son used to suppress his tics in front of his class mates as best he could, only to have them explode during recess or after school. It's a very tiring process to suppress tics all day. In an ideal world this should not have to happen at all.

There are many practical tips that can make a day in school more comfortable for your son. One of them you mentioned is the education of his peers, but it's difficult if he doesn't yet want that to occur. Seating position in class can help him feel less 'observed'. Talk with his teacher/s as there are accommodations which can be put in place to allow your son a safe place to learn and grow.

http://www.tourettesyndrome.net/diso...ttes-syndrome/
Overview of Tourette's Syndrome - Leslie Packer TS 'plus'

all the best to you both...