ADHD and addiction to prescription meds

[Anonymous]

Our DC, 13y old, has been prescribed methylphenidate LA, 20mg.

DC is also an extremely picky eater (ARFID-like, but not formally diagnosed)

Me and DH are concerned about potential side effects of the meds - impact on appetite and potential addiction to the medicine.

I’m not sure how valid our concerns are… grateful if you could share your experience with Ritalin (generic name for the above drug). Many claim that benefits outweigh the costs but is a very hard call in case of a child who struggles to eat a healthy diet, and has a limited list of safe foods…

TIA

[Anonymous]

Ritalin is a very common med. Might really help. If it helps, it doesn’t mean he’s “addicted;” it means he takes prescribed medication. Nothing wrong with that.

[Anonymous]

OP here - note to those who don’t have a productive comment, please just move on.

DC was tested twice; both times - same diagnosis and recommendation. Moderate ADHD with a strong recommendation to use meds to help him.

We delayed meds for two years. Middle school program is extremely challenging and we are looking to hear from other parents who have experience with ADHD meds.

It’s a beautiful Sunday - go and enjoy your day instead of poking on my third language - English, or criticizing current medicine. Count your blessing that you don’t have to live our struggles!

Thanks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ritalin is a very common med. Might really help. If it helps, it doesn’t mean he’s “addicted;” it means he takes prescribed medication. Nothing wrong with that.

Thanks! I’m also thinking (or overthinking) what may happen down the road, say in two years from now, if he keeps taking this medicine on a regular basis. The goal is to take him off at some point, but that part is unclear. We just don’t know how long he might need to be medicated and how addictive it is to be able to get off of it at some point…

[Anonymous]

It had a moderate effect on my DD’s appetite at first but then seemed to level off to where she was eating as normal again. She’s a picky eater too but the meds didn’t cause her to be more picky—just to have less of an appetite.

In terms of your concerns about addiction, there is a lot of literature out there that you can check out. Also speak with your doctor.

Lastly, I’ll point out that this drug doesn’t stay in your system for long so if you try it and your DS doesn’t like it or the side effects are too much, you just stop taking it. There aren’t lingering effects.

My DD is only 10 and has been taking it for a year. It made all the difference for her. Every family has to make the decide that’s best for them, but I’m glad we made the decision we did.

[Anonymous]

If he needs it, he needs it. Why is the goal to get him off a med that he needs?

I hear so much shame in your concern, and I want you to know that it’s ok to need medication. If he needs it, he needs it!

Feed him before he takes it, not after. Big breakfast, big dinner. He might not be hungry for lunch. It will be ok! He can have what he needs. You’re a good parent for getting him what he needs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - note to those who don’t have a productive comment, please just move on.

DC was tested twice; both times - same diagnosis and recommendation. Moderate ADHD with a strong recommendation to use meds to help him.

We delayed meds for two years. Middle school program is extremely challenging and we are looking to hear from other parents who have experience with ADHD meds.

It’s a beautiful Sunday - go and enjoy your day instead of poking on my third language - English, or criticizing current medicine. Count your blessing that you don’t have to live our struggles!

Thanks

It’s always an option to put him in a less challenging program. You’re considering putting him on medication with known side effects that could impact his health (appetite, growth) so he can possibly be academically advanced. That would give me pause for sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If he needs it, he needs it. Why is the goal to get him off a med that he needs?

I hear so much shame in your concern, and I want you to know that it’s ok to need medication. If he needs it, he needs it!

Feed him before he takes it, not after. Big breakfast, big dinner. He might not be hungry for lunch. It will be ok! He can have what he needs. You’re a good parent for getting him what he needs.

“needs” are not actually clearly defined here

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If he needs it, he needs it. Why is the goal to get him off a med that he needs?

I hear so much shame in your concern, and I want you to know that it’s ok to need medication. If he needs it, he needs it!

Feed him before he takes it, not after. Big breakfast, big dinner. He might not be hungry for lunch. It will be ok! He can have what he needs. You’re a good parent for getting him what he needs.

Thanks.
It’s not a shame, it’s more concern that I may screw up something with his health.

It’s a tough and delicate call. After learning that this type of med causes addiction, I am trying to wrap my head around it. Consistent and prevailing message from my research is that benefits outweigh the costs. I’m just afraid nonetheless. Wanted to hear from other parents who went through this decision making process and how it worked out in their case.

[Anonymous]

I completely understand your concerns about your child and the prescribed stimulant for ADHD. My 12 year old dd and I both have ADHD and take methylphenidate calm our brain and improves focus. I don’t feel addicted to it at all. Many people don’t realize that forgetting to take it is quite normal since it doesn’t create cravings once it’s out of their system. Unfortunately, when ADHD goes untreated, some may resort to self-medicating with substances like drugs and alcohol to manage an overactive mind or out of frustration from feeling undervalued over the years.

Regarding nutrition, it’s important for your child to have a protein-rich breakfast and a solid dinner, especially since lunch appetite may be minimal. Smoothies and protein bars are great quick options in the morning!

I can see why this might feel a bit overwhelming initially, but you'll be able to notice pretty quickly if the medication is making a difference. And if it doesn’t seem to work out, there’s no need to worry; stopping it is straightforward and doesn’t come with any withdrawal symptoms.

[Anonymous]

I don’t understand. Is your
Child addicted to prescription meds?

[Anonymous]

Refusing to properly medicate causes addiction, because people self-medicate.

Ritalin and tutoring are smart choices.

[Anonymous]

Where did you hear that becoming addicted to stimulants is a problem for people with ADHD? The long term studies show the opposite to be true. https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-and-substance-abuse-is-there-a-link

[Anonymous]

I think studies have demonstrated that kids whose adhd and behavioral disorders are properly medicated and managed are less likely to struggle with addiction.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It had a moderate effect on my DD’s appetite at first but then seemed to level off to where she was eating as normal again. She’s a picky eater too but the meds didn’t cause her to be more picky—just to have less of an appetite.

In terms of your concerns about addiction, there is a lot of literature out there that you can check out. Also speak with your doctor.

Lastly, I’ll point out that this drug doesn’t stay in your system for long so if you try it and your DS doesn’t like it or the side effects are too much, you just stop taking it. There aren’t lingering effects.

My DD is only 10 and has been taking it for a year. It made all the difference for her. Every family has to make the decide that’s best for them, but I’m glad we made the decision we did.

Thanks for sharing. I checked out some resources and wanted to hear about others experiences here too. Thanks again. So encouraging to hear it made a good difference!