ADDERALL xr20 missing growth spurt??????? | ADHD Information
HiI just wanted to throw my experience out there, gender or not. I was treated for ADHD all during my elementary and high school years. I was below all growth charts in height and weight due to the ritalin that I was on. I had a very low white cell count and was also very sick. All three of these areas were watched very closely. I had blood tests, height / weight checks all the time, dieticians flown in from other countries (welcome to Mayo Clinic)
My doctor told me that I wasn't going to get about 5' tall. Well coming from a family that has 2 aunts on opposite sides of the family over 6' and a brother that is 6'5, I felt like a midget. Well I did hit that 5' mark plus 2 inches. This was a concern for my family, but since they alerted the doctor, they kept a very close eye on me. I was under 5' and 86lbs going into my senior year in high school. When I was being treated, Ritalin was the only option.
The biggest side effect for me was the appetite suppression...and here I am day 4 with Adderall, and it's what I notice already...force feeding myself
I would bring the concern up with your doc and see if there are alternatives...
this is just my experience
Amy
Does the Adderall suppress your appetite more? Because it's different?(than Ritalin) I have yet to really feel this, but I'm only on 2Omg a day & just started a year & a half ago. What do you weigh, now? Did you stay @ 5'2"? I'm 5'3 & 3/4" & 118 lbs. Thx for sharing your experience!yes, I'm on day 5 of adderall xr, today I just started the 20mg. I can't say if the appetite is suppressed more or not, I don't really remember being conscious of it when I went through the treatment the last time. I just remember celebrating when I'd eat a normal meal.
I do notice a severe decrease in my appetite. Before I started this adderall, I could easily put away a meal if not more. I ate fast and was ready for more. I am about 5'2 and about 125. However, I was very into fitness and have a larger muscle mass. Most people think Im under 110. Yesterday morning for example I walked around my house with a granola bar in my hand, literally had to force it down me. I get to the point I can't even swallow cuz Im not hungry.
I could list my food for teh week, and it's less than what I should be getting per day. I've really noticed that. Im a fulltime nursing student and I need energy all day, but it's hard to eat when your body isn't in the right mode.
My mom has already told me that I need to get wheat germ and other high calorie fast foods...hve to get the good stuff how I can without eating junk.
I'll be keeping an eye on my weight, as it was the major side effect the last time
Amy
Two words: Peanut Butter
My twins would be nightmares without it. In fact, their bare minimum breakfast is entitled "Peanut Butter Spoons" which is basically what they get
; I value education & they don't go to school w/o something that will stick w/'em for the morning at least. I get severe headaches/migraines if I don't eat I'm an effing Witch--watch out! Somehow peanut butter has enough protein & "stick-to-your-ribs"-ness to get me through ANYthing. Although I imagine this suggestion is entirely academic if you can scarcely choke down a granola bar, p-nut butter may prove impossible. I'm a BIG believer in "my body craves what it needs" & if I want it, I find it & shove it in my mouth. I always feel better, & let's face it--that's the name of the game. I love my brain & it needs protein & my body gets energy from it, to boot. Buona fortuna!
The other side of the coin is that I get sick GI wise if I eat much in the AM...I can eat but them my stomach is very upset the rest of the morning. Such a dilemma.
I've gotten some grab and go type foods.
I also saw and ad for some craving control yogurt or something. I may be able to choke that down...
Amy
[QUOTE=agirlandherdogs]I agree, I'm a very eat what I want right now type...even if that means the whole cake.LOL!
I love to bake yet I live alone and can manage to finish it off in less than 3 days.3 days!?--Try 3 minutes--you're still an amateur!
The other side of the coin is that I get sick GI wise if I eat much in the AMOnce I commence consumption, the rest of the day is shot, so I try to put it off as long as possible. But then my Graduate Days are over
, so sitting on my @$s in a law firm doesn't exactly require the same brain power...I can eat but them my stomach is very upset the rest of the morning. Such a dilemma. I've gotten some grab and go type foods. I also saw and ad for some craving control yogurt or something. I may be able to choke that downGo-Gurts for my kids are good in the car if I keep them in the freezer before... AmyAwesome to meet you, Amy![/QUOTE]
There is some research validating that some ADD meds can slow a childs height growth. However, it seems to be low -- up to 3 centimeters (a little less that 1.5 inches).
For more info visit: http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/109/109373.htm?pagenumb er=1
MaxDad
[QUOTE=Maxdad]fountain? LOL All day long Terrie. [/QUOTE]
HA!LMAO!!! You slay me, maxDaddy!
maxDaddy: You're a fountain of information!fountain? LOL
All day long Terrie.
My Garrett is 9 and only around 55-56 pounds. He can still wear a size 6-7 clothes, adn even the size 8 slims are too long for him. DH and I are both of average height (I am 5'4", he is 5'10"). I am sure that the meds have affected his growth patterns because of how it affects his appetite. We are hoping to change his meds soon with the assistance of our MD and the pharmacologists she is contacting. I hope this will help him catch up. He plays soccer with 2nd and 3rd graders and is still one of the shortest on his team.
Thanks Terrie.
Thoughts well taken.
BTW(by the way):
He loves to fish.His aunt bought him a subscription to a fishing mag for
his b-day!!!!!!!!!!!
Ha!jas: Try not to stress.
As a girl, I assure you (& I realize this is likely not reassuring--oh wait I forgot, you're the Dad
) that he'll likely have a much larger female entourage than the bigger fish/boys, whatever. I don't know why--maybe it's like a Smaller/Shorter Guys Are More Sensitive (not such outright a-holes)perception / misconception.
Anyway, unless he's really freakin' out about it, I'd find some "larger fish to fry...?"(pun unintentional, I swear--I think
...who knows?--must be time for my meds)
Be sure & post us when he grows like four inches next summer.
My son turned 13 in April.
Has a good appetite.
Is healthy but small.
was NOT on addreall XR20 for the summer,still,................he's heads below the others as school starts this fall.
He 's not a dwarf,but,............................
Ant stories..............................
Does he have small parents. I mean is it genetic??? Or do you think the meds made him grow less? Have you observed that he grew less on meds??His mom is average.
I'm 6' tall,above average buid.
I'm just concerned he has missed out on a growth spurt.
I've had other moms tell me,"don't worry,my son was not keeping up either,then he grew to 6 ft. tall & 210 lbs.......................................
Have you ever heard of the "B-1 Bomber" as a alternative to the "drugs"????????????????
Men don't stop growing 'til they're like 25. Is he incredibly uncomfortable with this?
I happen to be partial to thin guys because it makes me think they're smart
(obviously not wasting their brains @ the gym)--the thinner, the wiser--point is, all these supposedly thin guys whom I met in college all filled out & up (like in their face & neck/more musculature, seemed taller--unless I'm shrinking) when I saw them again during grad school.
I feel like any stim stunting growth on people would be evident in alot more people who actually took it while in their pre-/teens today. Re-check with his GP/find a new one who can assuage/confirm your fears.
Not having a growth spurt by age 13 is not abnormal. Some boys don't get a spurt until age 15 or 16. If he still seems really short to you, then I might have a well child check up with your pediatrician. A rule of thumb is that kids in elementary school and up should grow at least 4cm per year until puberty. Also, if he hasn't had pubertal changes (pubic/underarm/facial hair, deepening of voice, more adult looking genitalia), then he just hasn't started puberty yet and he hasn't started his growth spurt yet--- so he hasn't missed out on a thing. Your pediatrician should be able to reassure you or let you know if there is reason for concern.
Hope this helps.
Thanks Terrie.
Remember,he's 13 & in 8th grade.
Not the most comfortable time for a "normal" boy.
He's has no issues socially,the girls like him,is now on task w/ the school work,because of the AdderallXR20
He's not REAL uncomfortable w/ it...........
Is an athlete too,so.................
However,the girls(man do they develope early these days)& the guys are a lot further down the "growth" trak than he is.
Your point:onif it was stunting growth,We'd see more evidence of it by now......................is valid.
still............
Thanks again.
Thanks Teresa D.
Being that he turned 13 in April,he is just driving up to that puberty stage i think.
Maybe,the ? has been asked/answered,have you seen evidence of the adddhd drugs slowing down,delaying puberty??
Thanks again.
I too have a 13 yr old son. He has been on Adderall XR 20 mg for the past two years. He has grown three inches in the past year...but no growth spurt yet. I did take him for a yearly checkup. Upon examination, the Dr confirmed that he is on the cuff of starting the growth spurt. He said in the next 6-20 months, we should see a big difference. I do suggest a Ped. Dr. appointment to discuss your concerns and for an examination.
I did ask about stunting growth with ADD meds. He simply stated that nothing points to that but nothing is yet conclusive.
He is an athlete and has struggled some due to the fact other teammates have much longer legs and can run faster (soccer). That is the only area that he is concerned about. When I look at other soccer teams with 13 year old boys....it just proves that everyone has their own pace. Some look like they drove the bus to the game, others look as if they are 10 and then the majority are somewhere in the middle.
My brother did not hit his growth spurt until almost 14. He is now 6'2". Lagging behind does not necessarily mean short.....just means you have not left the runway yet.
exactly how tall is he?.. most kids dont hit a growth spurt until like 14 especially 15 or 16.. i wouldnt worry about it too much as long as hes at least like 5''2, 5''3...