adderall and appetite supression

[Heido]

My eight year old son has been taking 5mg of Adderall for eight months.  The change in his demeanor and his ability to focus and attend in school was noticed by his teacher the first morning he was on the mediation. (When asked he said, "It took away my fun brain.") He has shifted his oppositional behavior from school to eating.  A self-appointed vegetarian since he was two, he now eats fewer and fewer foods and is growing ever taller and thinner. After a recent check-up his physician said that she would like to see him gain seven pounds in the next six months.  Considering the his diet (fruits and carbohydrates and milk) and his increasingly suppressed appetite, I don't see how this is possible.  His irrational behavior around mealtime suggests that although he says he is not hungry and doesn't want to eat, his body needs food.  His dad and I are in need of some tools.  

Thanks for any response you might post and any resources available out there.

[tmdodge]

A related discussion, Daughter on adderall was started.

[mamasue]

When my daughter took Risperdal .25mg 2 or 3 times a day it increased her appetite and she gained 15 pounds. It was like she couldn't get enough to eat. I was wondering if 2-3 doses of Risperdal a day or a larger dose at bedtime along with her Adderal XR would kind of counteract her side-effects and possibly improve her behavior.

[alwaystressedout]

I just wanted to say that I have the same problem with my 11 yr old daughter on adderall. she weighs only 60 pounds and never wants to eat. when she does she only wants veggies and fruit. she also will not eat meat. It is hard becasue the medicine helps with the behavior but then is it really worth it with the weight problem.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Appetite suppression as a side effect of stimulant medications is common, and most of the time it is inconsequential. However, in children of small stature, particularly those who already are on the picky end of the spectrum when it comes to eating, weight loss (or failure to achieve adequate weight gain) can result.
It sounds like your son's diet is pretty deficient in protein intake, so it would be wise to try to increase the range of protein rich foods he will eat. Consider soy-based products that can be used in milkshakes. Some children will accept these, and they can both taste good and be nutritionally sound (without being rich in sugar and dairy fats). Also, you might consult with a nutritionist. They often deal with the sort of dilemma you're facing.