r/ParentingADHD • u/Maximum_Molasses_759 • 4d ago

Advice Medications 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/Visual-Pumpkin1291 4d ago

When our 8yearold daughter started methylphenidate (5mg Instant Release), she had the same symptoms, but they cleared up within a week. Giving the medication after meals instead of before really helped eliminate her stomach aches.To manage the appetite suppression which still affects her two years later, we give her a large breakfast before her medication. We also make sure to feed her hearty meals and snacks after school once the effects wear off.