ANYONE???FocalinXR | ADHD Information

My son has started complaining of stomach aches at night just before bed since starting Focalin XR. 5mg smallest dose. Now he ALWAYS complains about stomach aches before be on or off the meds so it is hard to know, he says these are different. I also think it is bringing out ticks but they are mild and only at night before bed. He stopped taking it for 2 weeks so now we are starting over again (at least I hope so) Yesterday he finally took it and had a great day. Does anyone know of anything for his stomach issues that might help as if this is the worst I think the benefits out weigh the problem. Any suggestions would be helpful spamula39356.2616666667If you lokked I posted again. I thought about other meds but this doc is convinced because he does so well in school all day this it the one for him. I am not sue what I would try even though I have read everything about meds there is. I don't undestand if a med with this low of a side effect profile is causing so much problem won't some of the others do the same or worse?

Intereaasting that you mention that, his teacher had a long talk with him yesterday how there are other kids in his class who are on meds, obviously she couldn't say who. she also told him that she was on meds because if she didn't take them she would get very sick. This seemed to ease his mind. One of his best frends is on meds for ADHD and co-morbuds and offered to talk to him but he would not. He is ashamed.

The stomach aches probably aren't from the meds if he's getting them before bed.  What vickie said about eating sounds logical if he doesn't eat as much throughout the day.

My son's also on focalin xr- never had stomach aches, but he complains about being dizzy in the afternoon or evening every now and then- it's not the meds themself, just that he's a little dehydrated because he hasn't eaten enough or had enough water.  He drinks all day at home, but at school. . .

Does he know any other children who take meds?  I read your post about him spitting them out the other day and I remember when my son first started meds he wanted to stop after a couple weeks as well.  He was much more compliant after he found out that another boy he knows takes stims for adhd too.   

IF the aches are happening soon after taking the meds try a Higher fat breaky, with lots of protein. it usually helps. No citrus either.

Is it posible that he is not eating much with the meds in his system and then has stomache issues because of that?

Also, there may be some anxiety going on. Both the stomach isssues and tics can be made worse by anxiety. Posibly as the meds are wearing off the axiety peaks.

could be as he does have anxiety as well. but then he decided to spit out again today because"during the week is different" what the heck does that mean? therapist isn't until Friday so that bites. He took them with no problem Saturday and Sunday. This is getting ridiculous.As I stated the complaints are at night just brfore bed. Last night we tried some yogurt before bed and it wasn't as bad. The complaining that is

We have thought about and asked about other meds. The Psychiatrrist said due to his anxiety co-morbid, This is the best for side effects. He has minimal trouble but I don't wan't him sick either. Last night he said he felt like he was going to throw up. For 5 minutes then he goes to sleep. All day and afternoon it is great?

I also told him to eat some yogurt(it helped before) and he said no only an apple. So he is defiant all the way around with me(my hubby was gone last night.)Nothing helps at this point.

Have you though about trying another med?

Well yesterday he took the meds and the evening stomach trouble came back. I think I told him to eat a yogurt before bed and that might help his tummy. It did the other night. Today he will try because he wants his b'day presents on Saturday and I told him he couldn't have them unless he took the meds.I can't remember how old your son is, but could you tell him that eating a certain food will make his stomach aches go away?  A sort of placebo effect experiment?  Sometimes my kids will get it in their head that if they eat or drink a certain thing it will have an effect on someting totally unrelated.  For instance, water makes them super strong.    All I ever said about water is that it's healthier to drink water between meals than juice.  Now if they're tired of cleaning their room or something they'll come get a big glass of water "to make them stronger so they can finish"- they're 6 and 9 btw.  We had our son on Focalin for two years. He had anxiety daily and
headaches about 5 days a week. Our pediatrician and psychiatrist assured us
the headaches were not from the Focalin, but probably from his allergies.
When we changed to Ritalin LA in July, the headaches disappeared and the
anxiety decreased (not gone).

What works for one does not always work for another.

Good Luck!!!