CONCERTA AND WATER | ADHD Information

I try to eat a really good meal before I take my meds in the morning, then a really good meal at night when the meds have started to wear off.  Lunch is always a forced meal so I just eat what I can.  Drink water the rest of the day and you should be good to go.  That is what has helped with me.I've noticed that I am more thirsy with Concerta. I will mention having to force my child to drink when I call him later.  It is that stubborn streak of hers.  ThanksI LOVE THIS BOARD!!

Yeah, since I've started Concerta I've been thirsty as hell!! And then I have
the get up from my carrel in the library to pee and I have to pack up my
laptop every time so it doesn't get stolen.

ANd then, the last time I got my butt to my cardio kickboxing class, I
could hardly get through the class. In fact, I had to leave for a moment
to vomit.

AND THEN, I've been feeling like my calf is about to cramp really bad.


Ohhhh, I'm going to have to make sure that I really do have a bottle of
water with me ALL THE TIME.

Wow. Anyone else notice that if you do not eat regularly or have enough water that you feel tired and weak? Hydration and food intake have been a big problem as I find myself forcing to eat.

Both lack of appetite and the water loss (all ADHD meds are somewhat a diuretic) are very well known.  The best recommendation is to drink a few cups more water a day, decrease or watch coffee/cola intake and schedule forced meals so you don't go by hunger.  I was just reading that losing as little as 1% of your water volume can cause exhaustion and 10% will cause death.

 

I have been forcing my child to drink fluids and she is as active as ever that I am even wondering if the medication is working or she is just being a child.  When I think about it I would rather her be active than a couch potato.

Very Interesting.

I wonder if lack of water and food is causing the side effects i have been having with Concerta. I am in a viscous cycle though, because i am not at all hungry plus, even when i am mildly hungry, i lack energy to get up and do something about it. Ditto for water.

i am very disappointed by this. Before I started the med's I started coaching and had been taking Omega3 for a few weeks and for the first time EVER I was doing the dishes EVERYDAY, eating breakfast and cooking dinner EVERYDAY, making my bed, doing housework regurlary and studying (not perfectly but more than before) and walking 3mile almost everyday. All minor accomplishments for a "normal" but MAJOR for me. This past week, since I started on Concerta, it has all gone to heck. I don't have the energy or will to get my fat A$$ of the couch and do anything. I feel like the ADD is worse not better. Doc said to give it a few more days. I have realized that I have to force myself to eat, it is just easier said than done.

I am really glad I found this site. I has really helped reading everyones stories and getting support from people who understand.

.....Thanks

doggidoc38830.3866666667

Water is SO essential to proper brain function!  The diuretic effect of our meds (along with caffeine, sweating, etc.) removes not only the water but the salts in the water (suspended sodium, potassium, etc.).  This effects brain function as sodium and potassium help with neuron function - not to mention that lowered blood pressure can reduce oxygen to the brain.  It's all bad if you are dehydrated constantly (especially as a child).

If there's a real problem getting enough water in to replace the urinated lost water I might suggest the occasional electrolyte drink.  For kids don't go the gatorade way as it's full of sugar and fat (for athletes to replenish) but there are formulated drinks and even iced treats (pedialyte, etc.) that give back the salts and help the body retain the water better.  Check with an MD for details and probably a good idea to check urine sample to not be guessing as to true need.

For adults you should recognize the water loss (dry mouth/tear ducts, tired and lethargic).  Gatorade again may not be the best (it's formulated for heavy exercise not dehydration) but maybe salt pills and  intake increase in good old H20.