Help for Mom with ADD Daughter | ADHD Information

Help!!!!!

My 7 year old daughter was just diagnosed with ADD.  She's been given Adderall.   I am extremely worried about the side effects. 

I understand the side effects such as dry mouth, upset stomach, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, etc.  Some will subside and some will not.  I also understand that if the upset stomach, diarrhea, etc. don't go away/get worse that I should talk with her doctor.   

I am most concerned about the addictive side, loss of appetite and weight loss.  My daughter is a very petite and tiny 7 year old in the second grade.  Most people mistake her for a kindergartner because of her size.  She does not eat much as it is (unless she's going through a growing phase). 

I am very concerned.  Any thoughts or comments????

I've been on Adderall for 5 years and thank god I found this med because it has been a life saver.

As for side effects for the first 2 weeks I was on the med I had diarrhea and absolutely no appetite. As soon as the first two weeks were over though the side effects disappeared. I was not a big eater before the meds so still don't eat much but I do have a normal appetite after the meds wear off at night. So your daughter probably won't be too interested in lunch but if you give her breakfast before meds and a good dinner at night she should be fine.

 

Hi,

I have a son who has been diagnosed with ADHD when he was 5. I didn't put him on medication until a couple of years ago when he was 10 because of the same worries you have. He is on Adderall XR and has lost weight, and is to thin I think, but his doctor reassures me that his blood work is great. His doctor sees him every 6 months to make sure he is doing good. I have learned to make sure he eats a big breakfast and eats dinner and a snack.

Just keep watching her a weighing her and if you see any significant weigh lost contact your doctor.

crazykatz

     I know your concerns. My now 8 year old lost alot of weight on adderal. He was so thin and passed out a couple of times. That was enough for me, I stopped giving him meds and in 1 month he gained 10 pounds looks much healthier.

   We are going the holistic route, we've had alot of blood, stool, urine tests and found out he has alot of food sensitivities, leaky gut syndrome and deficient in all the amino acids needed for proper brain function. So we're getting rid of the yeast overgrowth in his intestines and eliminating certain foods and adding supplements, EFA"s etc... Huge difference!! 

   It's always worth a try to see if it's food allergies or deficiencies before going the med route.

 taximom

 

  

You may want to check with an endocrinologist.  There are instances when people who are diagnosed with Adhd also lack the proper amount of growth hormone.  My son was very small and I attributed it to adderall knocking down his appetite.  However, he actually was not producing enough growth hormone.

MaffiaKiddo,

Thank you so much for your words.  They have brought me some relief to hear from someone who is in a similiar situation as my daughter.  It makes me think there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Thanks a bunch!!!!!

 

Mom Susan,

Thank you for your words as well.  It helps to hear from other parents who have been or are going through the same thing.  My daughter has just started mediation on a trial basis to see how it works.  I have learned to give her a good sized breakfast and then give her her meds and she's ok.  She normally won't want lunch but she will eat dinner and then a snack.  Here's hoping!!!!  I'll definately keep an eye on the weight. 

 

taximom,

My daughter has been on adderall now for a week.  Seems to work well with her.  She's not on a full dose yet since the doctor wants to make sure it works for her and she doesn't have any complications.  I've learned to feed her before giving her meds since she is such a tiny person and already has a small appetite.  I've also brought up the holistic angle to her doctor and were going to start looking into that as well.  When it comes to my kids, I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing and that I've thoroughly researched all my options.  Everyone's insights and situations at this site have truly helped and make sure that I'm keeping my eyes and ears wide open.

crazykatz