I am new at this and hope I am wording this right, my granddaughter recently started a low dose of Concerta and it is help her so much at school, the only problem she is having is the decreased appetite and she doesn’t eat lunch or thru out the day at school so by the time she gets home her stomach is hurting. I will take any and all suggestions on how to help her with this so that she doesn’t have to feel like this.
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Hello and welcome! Maybe check with her medical care providers for suggestions of how to deal with those side effects–they might have heard of some options. She definitely does need to have something to eat during the day. My first thought was to send her to school with a lunchbox of healthy snacks so even if she doesn’t feel like eating a full meal, her body gets some nourishment during the day. Go for something with protein, fiber, and low sugar–cheese sticks, nut butter and whole grain crackers, a container of plain yogurt with chopped fruit, little containers of guacamole or a bean spread with sliced veggies or tortilla chips would not look heavy, but will give her some good nutrients and keep her digestion going. Good luck with it!
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I agree with @alewinson, pack some healthy snacks with an ice pack if needed, so she doesn’t have to eat to the point of being too full, but won’t be starving and with an empty stomach by the late afternoon when she gets home. Raisins, veggies are a good option as well. They have these small containers that contain carrots and a serving of ranch dressing. My kid likes edamame beans for example. Pretzels are another popular choice, as well as hummus. You can even pack a fruit smoothie, so she can nourish herself on the go.
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@Mimiof3grandgirls I also agree with @alewinson and @Natalie_L1 that 1) it is helpful to talk to the prescribing physician about this issue as sometimes the dose or even the medication needs to be changed, although this is not an uncommon side effect that sometimes decreases over time. 2) Protein snacks are great as is eating a good breakfast before the loss of appetite sets in. 3) Explain that it is important to feed her brain something healthy during the day even if her stomach does not feel hungry and that not eating contributes to her feeling yucky at the end of the day. Even a high protein drink can help. Depending upon her age, she may be able to have small snack breaks during the school day or a gentle teacher reminder at lunch to try to have at least a few taste bites.
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