ADHD and addiction to prescription meds

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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

OP here. The stated side-effect of the med is getting addicted to it. This is why I’m concerned - what if we make more harm by giving meds than good?

[Anonymous]

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

There are some studies that show this but tbh the area is not well studied, especially considering the population, i.e., children. And that the population is increasing.

[Anonymous]

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

No but I am concerned about the risk…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Thanks for sharing this. I think you are precisely right - it is *overwhelming* because we have to decide for our child…

[Anonymous]

If you are worried about appetite, maybe start with a non-stimulant instead? Ask about generic version of Strattera for example?

[Anonymous]

OP I posted today about my 12yo DD who just started taking 5mg Ritalin.
She is eating a smaller lunch than before but still eats a good breakfast and we eat dinner early anyway because of sports.
Your goal is to get the good calories in at breakfast and dinner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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

OP here. The stated side-effect of the med is getting addicted to it. This is why I’m concerned - what if we make more harm by giving meds than good?

Even if they use it correctly and it helps, people often develop a tolerance and it can be difficult to stop it (there will be side effects when quitting). My DC takes a similar medication and gets headaches if he misses it, so if he wants to stop he will have to slowly taper the dose.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP I posted today about my 12yo DD who just started taking 5mg Ritalin.
She is eating a smaller lunch than before but still eats a good breakfast and we eat dinner early anyway because of sports.
Your goal is to get the good calories in at breakfast and dinner.

Yes, I just saw that and now I see your reply here! Helpful tips noted - thanks!

So, somehow, my child got 20mg per day dosage; I will keep learning about this med and monitoring my kid. Looks like there are other relevant discussions here -- I just did not run a search earlier but posted my post.

[Anonymous]

I don’t want to read all the comments so maybe I’m duplicative but it’s not at all addictive if used properly. It clears your system almost immediately.
Lots of kids can eventually come off it, or can take medication holidays on weekends or when demands are less.

If the eating things is really severe, the medication might not be appropriate. Sometimes Atfid is anxiety related and sometimes these medicines can make anxiety worse. They almost all suppress appetite’. It’s really important he gets a good breakfast. If he isn’t don’t a booster it should be out of his system by dinner and can have a good dinner. For lunch, just send whatever he likes best since he may not be very hungry. Some kids with this profile do take medication vacations over school break to try to get some growth in those years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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

OP here. The stated side-effect of the med is getting addicted to it. This is why I’m concerned - what if we make more harm by giving meds than good?

Even if they use it correctly and it helps, people often develop a tolerance and it can be difficult to stop it (there will be side effects when quitting). My DC takes a similar medication and gets headaches if he misses it, so if he wants to stop he will have to slowly taper the dose.

OP here (and ignoring actual trolls that are calling me troll instead of enjoying a nice day outside - get a life).

Thanks for sharing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t want to read all the comments so maybe I’m duplicative but it’s not at all addictive if used properly. It clears your system almost immediately.
Lots of kids can eventually come off it, or can take medication holidays on weekends or when demands are less.

If the eating things is really severe, the medication might not be appropriate. Sometimes Atfid is anxiety related and sometimes these medicines can make anxiety worse. They almost all suppress appetite’. It’s really important he gets a good breakfast. If he isn’t don’t a booster it should be out of his system by dinner and can have a good dinner. For lunch, just send whatever he likes best since he may not be very hungry. Some kids with this profile do take medication vacations over school break to try to get some growth in those years.

Thanks for sharing. I will have to monitor how it goes, basically.

[Anonymous]

Meds def helped both adult dd and dh get through challenging school/work situations. They both dislike stimulants, even though they help. So the opposite of addiction.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Meds def helped both adult dd and dh get through challenging school/work situations. They both dislike stimulants, even though they help. So the opposite of addiction.

This is OP. Thanks for sharing.
I watched a few YouTube videos of people reviewing their experience with adhd meds.
Those were adults. Overwhelmingly, recommendation is to use meds.

Is 20mg daily dose of methylphenidate LA okay or not for my skinny 13 y.o., given eating issues? Down the road, is it addictive and could it present a larger risk of needing higher dose or leading to some crushes in mood that are too severe? - We don’t have all answers, as evidence is uneven.

As it looks now, we have decided to give it a try and assess in a couple of months. For the most part, this decision is a result of sheer exhaustion of both parents to deal with providing help for getting basic homework done and helping to navigate deadlines. Untreated ADHD drains energy - we all can use a break. We shall see if the meds help…

Thanks for helpful replies. I will keep reading adhd related trails started by others as well and continue learning about it. We have not been able to see psychiatrist yet; family doctor prescribed the meds. I’ll try to get a consult with psychiatrist as well. - They are extremely difficult - almost impossible to book in this area…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are worried about appetite, maybe start with a non-stimulant instead? Ask about generic version of Strattera for example?

This is new to me. Thanks, I will have to ask.

[Anonymous]

If taken properly Ritalin is not addictive says the feds. google it