Lodismom,
Wow your DD sounds just like mine. I have never heard of that medicine but we have used Vitamin B12 in the past. Also, you can go to GNC and they can recommend some really great natural supplements that help increase the appetite. We decreased our DD's meds for the summer, just the next a little, and her appetite has gone through the roof. We use extra butter popcorn at night to help with calorie intake for a snack. Just a few thoughts.
Jamie
What makes you think your older one's growth is going to go down?
My DD is 6 1/2 and we've had her growth watched very carefully. The doctor has also watched her and her weight stayed on the 25th %ile, but her height was never even near to the bottom of the chart. The doctor felt that because her weight had stayed on the 25th for years, she was probably supposed ultimately be on the 25th. We had her bones checked and the results concurred.
We found out she was lactose intolerant, we took off dairy and put her on soy (coincidentally). A year later we tried lactose-free dairy and all of a sudden she started to grow. We assume, but we don't really know, that her absorption rate of nutrients was being affected. When we looked back, he growth had stopped when she was 12 months and that is when we started her on dairy. That was 2 years ago. Her weight is still on the 25th, but her height is around the 15th now. She's catching up - FINALLY!
So, from my own experience (unless you already know why her growth is dropping), investigate the possibilities before you assume she needs an appetite stimulant. There could be something else going on.
Good luck! Don't you wish kids came with manuals?
My 8 yr old dds growth cureve has really plateaued and may even be taking a dive. We are trying to up the calories and vitamins, but this can be tough with busy schedules and a 5 yr old who LOVES to eat and does not need the extra calories.
I am finding I can get snacks in her at night when the younger one is in the bathtub or busy watching TV after supper. I then offer the youngest fruit for a snack when she asks. We will see if that helps. So far, the extra calories at night only make her less hungry during the day.
I have heard of an appetite stimulant called Megace. I know it can be given to adults. Has anyone ever heard of this being FDA approved for a child? If so, does it work? What are the side effects?
Any other tips for getting calories in one child without having to worry about sending the sibling to fat camp or encouraging an eating disorder?
I know summer time is here and some consider cutting back on or taking off the meds, but she absolutely cannot function without her meds. She turns into "noodle" girl and cannot talk without screaming. SHe rolls around on the floor and acts as if she can't walk without grabbing onto things and using them to pull her along. Bugs, heat, or anything else unwanted or unexpected send her over the edge. And, all of a sudden her father and I become stupid, fat, and ugly.