meds with/without food? | ADHD Information

Thanks bugzapper. 

I think this is exactly what's going on.  DS is never ready to eat breakfast right away in the morning (has always been this way, since infancy). So I need to give him his medicine after breakfast, right before the bus. I was hoping to be able to give the medicine earlier, since it helps him get organized for school, but it just seems to be so much better for him to do food, then meds, and just deal with the chaos that defines mornings around here!

Thanks again,
Til


Not to be a pain here.....

I actually have the opposite problem. If I dont eat and take my meds they work great. If I eat with them they're not as effective and its like I"ve taken too much (side effects become apparent). Mostly this seems based on carb intake (since I eat a lot of them with breakfast). I'm taking 10mg of urmmmmm i forget its bloody name now........ADD...like ritalin but moreso. I'll edit it later.
Food does make some difference, although how much difference it makes depends somewhat on the person. Food in the gastrointestinal tract slows the rate of absorption, but does not alter the total amount of stimulant absorbed. So he absorbs the same amount of drug either way, but food can cause a delay. Without food, peak serum concentrations are reached in about 4-5 hours for the extended release formulation. Taken with food, peak concentration is reached in about 7 hours. So your observation is correct... taken before breakfast, he is absorbing it more quickly. It won't change the peak plasma concentrations, but it will make the drug peak more quickly, and therefore wear off sooner. Hope that is some help!BTW, before extended release options were available, stimulants were generally recommended to be taken on an empty stomach. While drug companies have chosen careful wording (ie- food does not effect total absorption), the reality is that many still find that taking the med without food is more effective. Keep in mind, though, faster absorption may equal more efficacy, but it may also mean more side effects. Stick with what you have seen to work. WRONG AGAIN REALITY

 Anyway, most drugs are unaffected by food consumption. The only reason for food consumption is to avoid gastrointestinal upset. This drug will put out the same amount of medication to the body regardless of food. I know you think that it has to since the stomach is not as empty and that it will take longer to bind, but that is not the case. He will absorb the same amount in the same time frame.

 Now the food may effect him and his reaction, that could mean he needs to eat and is hungry and does better when he has just eaten, but as far as him absorbing more, or absorbing faster, no.

 That is why your dr. told you that.

 the kid is just hungry, and feeding him is what he needs. We all act down and sullen if we're hungry.

On the same note, Ritalin and some adhd drugs do act as a supressant for appetite. AS a result, he may say he is not hungry, but really is.

It does seem he has the supressant effect, and needs to eat before taking his medication.

 Best of luck to you.
bugzappers38663.6705555556

TillyT,

   There is a huge difference between taking a pill with food or without food.

   Many prescriptions list which way you should take the drug.

   And your observation is quite correct. Without food, he does absorb it a lot faster.

Has anyone had experience with giving their child ADHD meds with food vs. without food? 

Our doc's take on this is that it doesn't matter (DS takes Ritalin LA) except with regards to appetite ... if you give it with or after breakfast, they are more likely to eat breakfast.  DS has no problem with eating, and I'd like to give him his meds at the same time every day (when he wakes up) but if I give it without food, it almost seems like he absorbs it "too much, too fast" and becomes down and sullen. 

Anyone else seen this?

I'll be talking to nurse/doc later today, but it has been very helpful in this journey to hear stories from "the trenches."

Thanks,
Til
shire.

Has been evaluated for safety in over 20 clinical studies (included pediatrics, adolescents or adults) The active ingredient in ADDERALL XR has been used medically for nearly
70 years Works fast (1½ hours after dosing) for the start of the school day—with or without food Having said that I found this further in.

      Food does not affect the extent of absorption of d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine, but prolongs Tmax by 2.5
hours (from 5.2 hrs at fasted state to 7.7 hrs after a high-fat meal) for d-amphetamine and 2.1 hours (from 5.6
hrs at fasted state to 7.7 hrs after a high fat meal) for l-amphetamine after administration of ADDER


novartis.

Well I can't find any info for la on kids.
But for adults it says a high fat breakfast may cause a longer t-max as well, and absorbtion might be longer. But it has to be a high fat meal to matter.

 Then it goes on to say...
fasting may cause a 25% reduction in second peak...

well is that fasting, and eating nothing all the rest of the day, or eating lunch, or what?


Then they say there is no pharmacokinetics difference if taken with applesauce or fasting.

 And they state that there is no evidence of dose dumping in the presence or absence of food .
Sounds contradictory to me.

 I guess we need to find out what they call a HIGH fat breakfast at both companies, and why one says no absorbance problems with food present, and the other says, no difference, then well yes some difference.

then both mention high fat meals. .


Which means, I'm right, your right, were all right, but yet wrong.

I gave up.

But on my old ritalin bottle it says may be taken with or without food.

and your dr. seems to be not concerned with it.

you tell me.

 All I know is grapefruits, citrus and some acidy sodas and applejuice and and other acidy foods may stop the action of some meds. so I was told to stay away from them till later on at night.  Like after dinner.
bugzappers38664.7851157407

TillyT -

It's good that you are checking in on this.  As you've found out the appetite is lessened and can even vanish for a short while during the start of these meds.  It does go away for the majority and for many the appetite will actually get better as the metabolism is hightened while taking them.  I for one find myself eating far better than I did before - and more sensibly.  I need more calories for the same days that I needed half as much before. 

As has been said above taking it with or without food generally doesn't matter.  Taking food 3 good meals a day and snacks are essential of course.  Not having acidic drinks/foods with it is not recommended as it reduces the stimulant effect - and antacids and other neutralizing things (maalox, pepto bismol, tums and the like) will actually increase the effect.  You can take them a while before or after but not with.

As with all things moderation.  A good meal helps the young one think better, play better and generally reduces any energy loss or problems like that during a long day of school and play.

Glad you're here!!