Adderall and hunger | ADHD Information

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Welcome Larkinater,

The ADHD meds affect appitite as you are experiencing. Some of them were even used as early diet aids because they turn off the hunger signals. You need to schedule meals and snacks and eat even if you are not hungery. This side effect gets better for some people as the body adjusts to the med. Also, because dehydration is a bigger issue on stim meds, you should make sure you are getting plenty of water.

I add extra calories to what my daughter will eat (olive oil or protein powder). Many use things like ensure, instant breakfast or protein drinks. You need to see what you like and what works with you.

good luck

Hey, I'm Lisa and I'm new to this board. My doctor diagnosed me with ADD, and I am on the third week of the 20mg of adderall.  My quality life has improved immensely, but recently, I've noticed that I've been getting stomach aches and dizzy towards the end of the day. I put 2 and 2 together and I've realized that I've been only eating 600-800 calories a day, and to top it off I am an ice hockey player so i am constantly active. I am wondering if anyone else out there forgets or has kids that simply forget to eat, and what they do to keep up calorie intake. I had no idea what was wrong with me. Adderall has never made me dizzy before, I really think its hunger-related. I'm just looking for some advice. I am sorry if i am in the wrong place because i dont have kids, but i cant find a credible message board out there.
thanks so much!!

Lisa
Eating on a set schedule seems to help in our house (both me and my son are on stimulants).  Another thing to keep an eye on is blood pressure.  If you increase your calories, but still experience dizziness, get your blood pressure checked.  I had thought the same thing as you, that I wasn't eating enough, but turns out adderall made my blood pressure shoot up to 120/90.  I know that's not really high by medical definition, but when my doctor looked back though my file my average reading was 90/55, so it was a big jump for me.