Son on Concerta, Not Eating

My son did the same thing, but on Ritalin. We switched meds because he didn't like taking pills. We are now on the Daytrana patch and his appetite is back and he is eating like he should. The patch is wonderful!!!!

Hi Michelle,
I am sorry to say that this is a very normal side effect of pretty much all ADD meds. (That is probably why we have so many moms taking them from their kids!)
Small nutrictious meals tend to work best- make all snakcks count- trail mix, granola bars, tortilla wrapped ham and cheese, yougurts...
What makes this even harder is that most little boys are very busy no matter what- so they are buring what few calories you can get into him!
I have heard from parents that once the medications regulate themselves (6 month+) the appetites even out too.
Good luck!
D.

I work for an ADHD clinic in Dallas, I would suggest highly that you call the Psychologist/Doctor and explain what is going on. It sounds like maybe you will need a medication change, the meds for ADHD are (in my opinion) similar to blood pressure medication, you need to find the right medication for your child and you will see a vast improvement. Please don't be swayed with the amphetamine based medication...people with ADHD amphetamine has the opposite effect it will calm them and help them focus. I am not a Doctor this is my opinion. I would recommend calling Davisson Clinics ###-###-#### if you would like a second opinion for your child. Thanks

Hi Michelle! I agree with Moya, your son should start taking a multi-vitamin. That way you can be sure that he is getting what he needs as far as nutrition. My son just started taking an awesome vitamin that absorbs 98% into his body instead of the usual 7-14%.
Also, the wellness company I work for has had A LOT of success with kids actually being able to come off thier ADD meds all together. I would love to get you some information and talk with you to help your situation out! E-mail me!

N.

My son had the same problem on Concerta. He does NOT need to lose any weight, so I talked with the doctor about it. She switched him to another med (Focalin). It has fewer side affets and still helps him to concentrate at school. Since being on it he has not been sent to the office. He eats breakfast then takes his pill. He eats a small lunch and then eats great after school and at dinner. I'm sure you've talked with his doctor, but you might ask about this med. Good luck!

Michelle...
My six year old is on Concerta, too...we are having the same problem! Bigtime! I've been really concerned, but he is doing really well in school for the first time EVER (staying calm, listening, obeying, etc.) so I don't want to take him off of his meds. But geez, he is so skinny his ribs are showing! I'm trying to get him to eat alot in the morning, then he has peanut butter & jelly crackers mid-morning for snack at school, and I'm just loading up his lunchbox with PB&J, fruit, granola bars w/chocolate chips, etc. in hopes that he will get some more calories down. At dinner he is hardly eating anything, so I hate to say it, but I'm giving him some ice cream in the afternoons to try and get some fat and calories in him. Let me know if you try something and it works!

From what I have read about concerta, the side effects of the medicine will remain until the dose wears off. (ie. lack of appetite) Most of the add meds seem to have this side effect. We used to take our son off his meds on the weekends that we were spending at home. That helped his appetite. I also keep healthy snack foods around and used to give him cheese stix, cerlery with peanut butter. Another way is to give him one of those calorie drinks. You could talk with the doctor and see what he/she suggests. Mine wasn't much help, said that was just one of the side effects. Another idea, might be to have him help with the meals - you know how you tend to snack while you cook--- well, maybe he would snack while cooking or maybe feel more like eating if it was something he fixed. Sorry I know this hasn't helped you much.

Michelle,

Loss of appetite is unfortunately a normal side effect of Concerta, and this class of drugs as a whole. I would suggest that you offer your son smaller more frequent meals, like veggies (ex. baby carrots), fruits(canned or dried are very convenient), and cheese throughout the day, instead of 3 large meals. I know that this can be difficult considering that your son does attend school during the day; however, you may begin by offering a small serving of fruit or veggies immediately after school with milk or juice if you are concerned about him not having eaten enough at lunch. If he is eating breakfast well, this is very good because this is the most important meal of the day. Also, you may want to begin a daily children's multivitamin if he is not presently taking one. The vitamin may also help with his appetite and provide nutritional supplementation for the missing meals. You may also want to schedule a consultation with your son's pediatrician to determine whether a deficit exists.

Good luck and God Bless!!!

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