periactin, snack bars, support groups | ADHD Information

What do his teachers say about his behavior?

Periactin is an anti histamine, it is sometimes used as an appeitie stimulant, migraine treatment and is used for motion sickness. It can cause excitement or drowsiness, depending on the person.

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/cyprohept_ad.htm

I would stick with healthy foods, lost of fruits and veggies,plenty of protein and NO JUNK! The less processed foods and artificial flavors/colors he has the better off he will be.

I found after taking my DD totally off artificial colors, flavors, and all processed foods that her issues improved tremendously. ( not adhd isues though)

I'm definitely a newbie- I had previously posted this under the wrong forum. Now I think I have figured it out- I apologize to anyone who is reading this again. I have a 5 year old son who takes Focalin XR twice a day. We are having lots of issues with loss of appetite and encouraging our son to eat. Our doctor has suggested periactin to stimulate his appetite- if anyone out there has experience with this drug please reply. Also- I am strugging with the battle of junk food vs. somewhat healthy choices. My son will readily take down a bag of oreo's for lunch, but refuses a sandwich, cheese, etc.  He doesn't even drink much, but begs for soda and wants chips for breakfast.  I'm struggling on where to draw the line- he needs the calories, but junk?????  I've tried the protein bars for a bedtime snack (he's usually ravenous since he refused to eat dinner), but he doesn't like the taste. Any suggestions for brands/flavors? Also, any information on support groups in the Raleigh, NC area would be helpful.  I have a couple of friends who insist on telling me over and over that my son is fine and that I worry too much about him. But- their children don't take medication twice daily so they can function, then take meds to eat, and meds to sleep. I'm a little socially frustrated in NC. Has anyone been there? 

My son's on Focalin XR too.  We do a big breakfast before meds in the morning- french toast is a big hit around here as it satisfies his sweet tooth and my nutrition standards (I use whole grain, high fiber bread and make sure to soak it in as much egg as possible).  Then we hold off on dinner till after the meds have worn off and he's hungry again.  I don't worry about the rest of the day.  I figure the school lunches aren't that healthy anyway. 

As far as support groups, have you tried CHADD?  I also found one in my community newspaper's "calendar of events" section.  You might also try the guidance counselor at the school for info. 

my son takes the peractin also and he gained 6 pounds  ( withing a few months)and is now a whopping 50 pounds.  You may want to try carnation instant breakfast and make some sooothies you can add banannas, berries, peanut butter, ice cream, anything that you think your little guy might like. My friend makes a chocolate peanutbutter smoothie with carnation instant breakfast.  You can give the smooties anytime you like or as the beverage for a meal.  Also, I give chicken nuggets ( the frozenkind) for breakfast along with his cereal.   My son will also eat hard boiled eggs for snack or as part of a meal.  I am trying to stay away from the junk but it still finds its way into our house ( my husband is a donut freak)

periactin definitely makes the child hungry, but when my son was not eating, not even oreos could tempt him....maybe if you don't have any of that in the house at all (I know it would kill me too ) he will resort to eating the healthy options...

As to the protein bars, chase would not touch them either....try the cereal bars...nutragrain, etc...those are not as healthy as the protein bars, but not total junk...or offer a bowl of cereal, or eggs or whatever you had for dinner a little bit before bedtime.....

Thanks edbson- this year my son's preschool teachers have actually questioned whether his ADHD diagnosis is accurate.  They have reported only issues with anxiety- there have been no issues with hyperactivity or impulsiveness at school.  They say he is very well behaved, complimentary, well liked and is a hard worker. We are actually so proud of how far our son has come since his diagnosis!! The medication he is taking has worked so well for him. Thanks for the diet advice. Before he was officially diagnosed with ADHD we tried the Feingold diet- he was still very hyper so we went forward with the medication. I've wondered if I should continue to monitor his diet as far as the dyes and processed foods. It seems to me like it would be very hard to cut all this out, especially when your child doesn't want to eat much to begin with.