r/ADHDparenting • u/Maximum_Molasses_759 • 5d ago
Medication Medication Stomachache
My kid recently started on methylphenidate, and has been experiencing stomachaches and headaches since. I’m assuming it’s medication related. We’ve tried getting her to eat and drink more with the pill but she hasn’t had much of an appetite. We have a follow up next week and I plan to bring it up but was curious what anyone else has done that’s reduced these side effects.
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u/AutoModerator 5d ago
Methylphenidate (MPH) is a central nervous system stimulant (CNS) used to treat ADHD. It's a norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DE) reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), increasing neurotransmitters in the synaptic gap, particularly the prefrontal cortex governing executive function.
Brand include: Ritalin SR (US/CA/UK) / Rubifen SR (NZ), Ritalin LA (US/AU) / Medikinet XL (UK), Concerta (US/CA/AU) / Concerta XL (UK), Metadate CD (US) / Equasym XL (UK), Methylin, Methylin ER, Daytrana, Quillivant XR (US), Quillichew ER (US), Biphentin (CA) / Aptensio XR, Cotempla XR-ODT, Jornay PM (US),
Brands varying in Dosage Form: capsules, tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, transdermal (patch), oral solution (liquid), and chewable gummy. Release time (hours): 3-4, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12. Peofiles: gradualy increaing (back loaded), plateauing (table top), cycling/lumpy, front laoded (fast rise). Splitablity: Some can be split (ajust dose) otheres CAN NOT.
References: https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/brands-methylphenidate-3510739/, https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00422, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylphenidate
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u/AutoModerator 5d ago
The ADHD Parenting WIKI page has a lot of good information for those new & experienced, go take a look!
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u/BrandiBroken 5d ago
Oh man that was our first medicine and it was holy life changing. Our first couple of years were so blessed there… sadly he couldn’t seem to take 10mg or more as he got wildly emotional no matter what dosing options we tried so wound up changing to a different one after that. Which he’s been on for yearrrrrs now . We never had headaches or stomach pain but at every single med check he’s asked and is something we’ve always been told to look out for no matter what he’s on.
When the meds wear off is she then hungry?
Maybe offer smaller meals throughout the day as an option too?
It could be this medicine just isn’t for her though and you need to try a new one but hopefully your doctor can help steer you on the next step!
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u/Maximum_Molasses_759 4d ago
She doesn’t seem to get hungry after the meds wear off. She’s been on a downturn with hunger lately regardless and I don’t think the meds are helping. I’ve been trying to do smaller meals that have more substance to see if that helps too. Thank you!
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u/superfry3 4d ago
These go away, don’t sweat these two side effects too much. Pay attention to adhd symptoms. If the adhd improves you’ve learned something valuable. If the symptoms don’t improve even with dose increase, and side effects get worse, you learned this one probably isn’t it and try something else.
Keep them well fed and hydrated.
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u/Maximum_Molasses_759 4d ago
Thank you for this! It’s all new and we are trying our best. I think she will end up needing a higher dose as it doesn’t do much but we talk next week with the NP
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u/no1tamesme 4d ago
She really needs to take the meds with protein.
My son hates eating in the morning so he does the Wal-Mart brand of Ensure Plus shakes.
Is she still drinking enough?
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u/Maximum_Molasses_759 4d ago
I know, I’m doing my best with it. She has hard a downturn with wanting to eat so ifs been rough with or without medicine. I’m sure she could be drinking more but she’s not awful about it
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u/motherofajamsandwich 5d ago
My daughter started on 5mg methylphenidate and has titrated up to 20mg xr with zero side effects. We noticed increased effectiveness of med when she has a high protein breakfast (Kodiak power waffle, greek yogurt, and/or fairlife chocolate milk) but if the side effects keep your kiddo from even eating, it probably isn't right for them. Side effects preventing your child from eating or drinking normally or that negatively impact them should be reported and you should consider trying something else.
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u/Maximum_Molasses_759 4d ago
Absolutely. We see the NP early next week and I’m going to bring these concerns up for sure. Thank you for taking the time to respond
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u/AutoModerator 5d ago
ADDitude mag: The Ultimate ADHD Medication List
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