Can a change in Ritalin cause weight gain?

[Anonymous]

DD's psychiatrist changed the formulation of her Ritalin so that it has a longer release period. Her appetite is not as depressed and she sleeps better. But DD has gained close to 15 pounds since the medication change, which happened around last Halloween. To be sure, she's eating more during the day, because her appetite isn't depressed, but she's also not binging every night like before the new medication. She also was not getting as much exercise over the winter because of the cold/snow (less walking to school), so that could be a contributing factor. But still, this seems like a lot of weight. And it's primarily in her midsection. What's particularly concerning is that we noticed that weight gain in January, and at that time, made an effort (as a household) to eat healthier (even though we had a pretty good baseline). And DD signed up for fitness classes. Yet she gained another three pounds. None of her pants fit.

Has anyone seen this before? I know kids typically lose weight on stimulants, but I'm wondering if the change in medication screwed up DD's metabolism. The weight gain--both the amount and the concentration in her midsection--seems pretty dramatic. Her psychiatrist raised the option of including a medication to deal with the weight gain issue, but before we add another medication or change one, I'd like to explore the underlying cause. Maybe DD is an exception to the rule?

In the meantime, we're continuing to focus on healthy eating and more exercise.

This is not about aesthetics. DD seems to be gaining weight rapidly, and that's concerning from a health perspective. That's how we're treating this.

[Anonymous]

How old is she? What were the changes in her percentiles?

Also, pressure to eat healthier, particularly in kids old enough that they have opportunities to eat outside the home, often backfires and creates weight gain.

[Anonymous]

Age is an important factor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Age is an important factor.

DD is almost 16.

She also takes birth control for acne. We put her on a stronger dose around the same time that we changed her stimulant.

[Anonymous]

Its a stimulant controlled substance maybe its making her hungry.

[Anonymous]

my daughter is 12 and same thing happened this year. adhd but unmedicated. She started her period in May and weight gain started in fall - much around her mid section. She doesn't seem bothered by it but would say she is pudgy or chubby. I am assuming it is either growing out before up or her coming into her natural body, which will be more heavyset based on dad's genes

Her appetite went from 0-60 though there is some bedtime eating that is about delaying sleep due to anxiety.

She eats a lot but only healthy food at home. I'm still focused on protein and fat for growth. Exercise is the missing piece.

At 16 your daughter is likely done growing? but 15 pounds doesn't seem a lot for a full gown woman. er ritalin is pretty standard but you could try the non generic version or a different generic?

[Anonymous]

I missed the birth control bit. That is hormonal and likely the culprit here. Ritalin and weight gain doesn't make sense. try a new BC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How old is she? What were the changes in her percentiles?

Also, pressure to eat healthier, particularly in kids old enough that they have opportunities to eat outside the home, often backfires and creates weight gain.

So then what? Let them bloat up?

-NP