Son w/ Severe Stomach Pain on Concerta | ADHD Information

Hi All, My almost-9-year-old son has been taking 18 mg of Concerta since September. It has been hugely beneficial to him, especially academically. The difference in him before and after taking it is really astounding. However, a few weeks ago he started complaining of a stomach ache. It was very manageable with Pepto or the like, but when we bumped his dosage to 27 mgs it became intolerable. His stomach pain was overwhelming, as well as being nauseous and having severe headaches. We took him off of it completely for a few days to let it clear his system and put him back on at the original dose, 18mg. His stomach was still bothering him a little at first, but again it was totally tolerable. However, today he called to be brought home early with really severe stomach pain.

His pediatrician wants him to stop taking it completely, which I understand as the meds are obviously impacting his ability to function. However, I am so concerned that he is not going to be able to maintain his current ability to achieve in school. Has anyone else experienced this? What did you do?

Also, his pediatrician wasn't exactly helpful when I asked what I could do for my son's stomach pain. He basically said if Pepto isn't working there isn't anything we can do? WTH? My kid is suffering -- there has to be SOME-thing that can help. Any tips along these lines would be very helpful.

Thank you so much,
R
My son had stomach pains and headaches on his medication, and he stopped
his meds. He actually outgrew them and is not on medication at all now.
He's fidgety in class, but he can concentrate better because he's not in pain.
I would stop the medication if I were you. If he's really not able to function
you can try another one.

Also, make sure he's eating regularly, and have him eat yogurt or take live
culture pills.Does he drink alot of caffine based products (cola, tea, etc..)? My 16 y/o step-son takes 30 mg of Adderall and we had to stop all caffine intake..... but he does have a little tea with dinner......I am also going too ask about caffine/sugar based products. My son takes concerta as well and one thing we realized a few years ago was that pop and overly sugary items do not mix well with this med. he get's caffine free pop as a treat on weekends. and we stay away from cookies/cakes etc on a daily basis, again he gets it once in awhile, so because he isnt taking in alot of sugar or caffine he no longer has the stomache issues on concerta. concerta is the oNLY med that works well for him too focus in school. like you said it made a HUGE difference, so its a sacrafice too keep him away from sugars and caffine but the outcome is SO much better. goodluck!The doctor told my child that he needs to avoid caffeine when the stimulant is in his system.  He said that it could increase his heartrate too much.  He's also supposed to avoid pseudoephedrine for the same reason.