ADHD medications affect children’s appetite. Here’s how to deal with it

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects the ability to maintain attention on tasks. It is also often associated with impulsive behavior – saying or doing things without thinking first – as well as hyperactivity.

ADHD is the most common developmental disorder in childhood, influencing 5–8% of children all over the world.

Not all children and adolescents with ADHD need medication, especially if they function well at school and at home. Children with ADHD you can also support with behavioral and educational strategies, as well as working on related issues that often occur with ADHD, such as learning difficulties, emotional issues such as anxiety, social challenges and autism spectrum disorder.

However, around four out of five children medications are prescribed for ADHD.

One of the most common concerns parents have about ADHD medications is their child’s appetite and weight. So what can families expect? How can parents optimize their child’s calories and nutrition?

Medicines can relieve symptoms

Decades of research can be seen Stimulant medications are the most effective way to alleviate the core symptoms of ADHD. It can improve the ability to maintain attention and perform tasks and reduce impulsive behavior.

Two stimulants are approved for the treatment of ADHD: methylphenidate (known by brand names such as Ritalin) and dexamfetamine (known by brand names such as Vyvanse). Both come in short- and long-acting forms.

These medications work well approximately 80% of patients and often improve a child’s school performance, relationships, and self-image.

But they are not suitable for all children. AND becomes a minority irritable, withdrawn or socially blunt. For example, they may begin to find it arduous to have fun.

If parents observe these or other negative effects, they may discontinue employ of the drug. The next day the baby will return to normal and the doctor and parents can consider alternative solutions.

The most common side effect stimulants are a decrease in appetite. This happens in most children who take stimulants during the hours when the drug is energetic. This often means they are not hungry during the school day and eat little or no lunch.

How can you enhance your child’s food and nutrient intake?

When starting to employ stimulants, some children lose weight.

But they did I usually get it back over time, as you become accustomed to a different way of eating that includes a similar amount of daily calories. This may include:

• eat a enormous breakfast before the medicine takes effect. Stimulant medications usually take about 30 to 60 minutes to start working (long-acting medications have a slower onset than short-acting medications)

• eating nice snacks throughout the day, such as muesli bars or crisps

• eating a enormous snack after school. Some children eat a mini meal when they get home from school and then another main meal around 7pm.

A nutritious and energizing breakfast or after-school snack might include a full-fat milkshake with banana, protein powder and peanut or almond butter.

Another option is high-calorie powdered dietary supplements – affluent in protein and imperative vitamins and minerals – contained in milk. They can be purchased at a pharmacy or supermarket.

If your child’s ADHD symptoms are only problematic at school, this will happen just take medications on school days, not on weekends and school holidays. They can catch up on eating on non-drug days.

It is also essential to employ a dose that provides maximum benefit with tolerable side effects. The objective often involves reducing a child’s symptoms to get closer to the level of children without ADHD.

Using these strategies, most children can maintain a healthy weight while taking stimulant medications.

What happens if my child continues to lose weight?

Sometimes weight loss is more problematic and alternative solutions need to be considered.

These may include:

• using short-acting medications (they usually last 3-4 hours) to cover the mornings. Or adding an afternoon dose once your child has regained an appetite and has eaten lunch

• trying one of the non-stimulant ADHD medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) or guanfacine (Intuniv). These are is usually not as effective as stimulants, but may be helpful in relieving the symptoms of ADHD. They have their side effects, but they do not suppress appetite

• using a lower dose of a stimulant (to provide some benefit with fewer side effects) in combination with a non-stimulant drug.

What about children’s height?

Another potential side effect of growth-enhancing medications is the baby’s height. There is evidence that if a child takes stimulant medications consistently over many years, especially in higher doses, they may lose weight 1–2 cm from their adult height.

However, it is occasional for ADHD medications to stunt growth so much that a child would have to stop taking them. Nutrition optimization is the best way to prevent this.

What else do doctors and parents pay attention to?

Children and adolescents with ADHD treated with medications require regular monitoring. They should have it meetings with your prescriber (usually your pediatrician) or your primary care doctor at least every six months to monitor the effectiveness of your treatment and any side effects.

Their medical evaluation will likely include a discussion about academic, social and emotional functioning – sometimes using questionnaires completed by teachers and parents – and a physical examination including measurement of height, weight and blood pressure.

In any case, it is essential to pay attention to whether your child with ADHD is taking medication lifestyle factors that may impact their health, including sleep, nutrition, physical activity and employ of electronic devices.