Teen feeling light headed last night

[Anonymous]

DS is 5 foot 9 and in a growth spurt. He weighs in the 120s. He takes ADHD long acting med during the day that wears off about 3pm.

Last night, around 9pm, I was sitting in the living room reading while he was finishing up some homework. The ADHD meds were out of his system. He got up to get a snack and dropped to the floor, kneeling. I asked what happened and he said he felt lightheaded so dropped down so he wouldn't hurt himself. That happened two other times. I stayed up while he showered and he got to bed without incident.

I have not seen this happen before. When I was his age, I fainted a lot too, was thin like him and had a growth spurt of many inches in one year. Is it simply that? Dehydration was the other thing. During this hour, he had some juice boxes and water so maybe that was it.

Other than reminding him to drink more, any tips?

[Anonymous]

That is very lean for 5’9”. Make sure he is eating enough calories and drinking enough liquid. Change in position can cause lightheadedness when dehydrated. He also might have inner ear congestion. Girls pass out a lot in teen years around period. Also not enough calories or liquid.

If it has happened a couple of times, take him to the pediatrician.

[Anonymous]

Low blood pressure. Can cause lightheadedness upon standing. My middle kid (19) has the happen occasionally. Just try not to stand up abruptly. It’s the change in position that triggers it for her.

[Anonymous]

Postural hypotension. Have him stand up slower. You can see if a doctor recommends increasing salt or electrolytes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Postural hypotension. Have him stand up slower. You can see if a doctor recommends increasing salt or electrolytes.

It sounds like this. I have it too and am finding out I have to be careful to stay hydrated and even use powered electrolytes and/or drink coconut water.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Postural hypotension. Have him stand up slower. You can see if a doctor recommends increasing salt or electrolytes.

It sounds like this. I have it too and am finding out I have to be careful to stay hydrated and even use powered electrolytes and/or drink coconut water.

Agreed. I use 2 packs of powdered electrolytes a day, sometimes 3 during the summer when I'm outside a lot. I would also make sure he's eating enough as that can impact things too.

[Anonymous]

OP here: He usually eats well but recently, he has no appetite. I can easily get him to drink electrolytes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here: He usually eats well but recently, he has no appetite. I can easily get him to drink electrolytes.

Well this seems like your answer.

[Anonymous]

Look up POTS.

[Anonymous]

This was the only symptom my friend had and went to urgent care they did a covid test and it was positive, they told her this is how some people are presenting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here: He usually eats well but recently, he has no appetite. I can easily get him to drink electrolytes.

You should look into his lack of appetite, especially since he takes stimulants. He may need to take a medication to stimulate his appetite. Low blood sugar (from not eating enough) can also cause severe dizziness. My DD has POTs and low blood sugar.

[Anonymous]

thank you, that's helpful. Just went to the store and got him his favorite non-trash snacks. All of them. If he's not that hungry at meal times, maybe I can convince him to graze.

[Anonymous]

If he has no appetite- take him to the pediatrician

[Anonymous]

Tell him to also get slowly out of bed. I deal with this a lot. Always positional.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If he has no appetite- take him to the pediatrician

Eh, that’s a very common side effect from ADHD meds. In fact, our doctor told us it’s very important for our kids to have a big breakfast because they won’t be hungry the rest of the day.