ADHD medication side effects

[Mariah202]

I have been on ADHD medication for a long time. I take

risperidone (1 before bed) [0.5 MG]
Clonidine (2 before bed) [0.2 MG]
vyvanse (1 in the morning) [70 MG]

I currently weigh 81 pounds. My medication completely kills my appetite. I need help, how can I get my appetite back? I Am underweight, food makes me nauseous, and I naturally have a fast metabolism. I am about 5' 3' tall. (teenager)

[donaldcoomer28]

ADHD medicine can be a game changer in terms of managing symptoms, but it, like all medications, has negative effects. Common side effects include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and irritability, particularly at high doses. Some children may also have stomach problems or headaches. It's critical to have open lines of contact with your doctor so that they can change the dosage or try another drug if necessary. Remember that the benefits of managing ADHD frequently exceed the drawbacks, but it's critical to find the correct balance for your child.

[juliabenassi]

Do you take any vitamins in the morning? Taking Zinc on an empty stomach can cause nausea. I hear you on this one, I lost about 15 lbs (My normal weight is about 110) I dropped down to 96 lbs because the adderall made me not hungry at all and disgusted by food. I combatted this by not taking it every day, only on days where I really need it. I struggle with doing my hw (finding the motivation to do it) and I found that having a fun drink and a snack or candy beside me helps when I dont take it. It's like a little dopamine boost when u have  a special treat lol. Another thing I started doing was listening to Mel Robins podcast on motivation. She has SO many great podcats/videos that changed my life. She taught me to act based on what needs to be done, not emotions. This is because you will never feel motivated if youre just waiting for it, you must take action and take control. Goodluck on your weight gain journey, it is definitely difficult, especially when everyone around you is telling you that they wished they could lose weight easily as Im desperatly trying to gain a pound. It wont happen over night, but keep showing up for yourself and trying again and again. I believe in you!
Some foods that help me eat/gain weight:
-Smoothies (theres so many different recipes)
- 10% whole fat yogurt helps! And its healthy
-Nuts
-Ensure drinks (these things are the besttttt! They range in protein and calroies)
-Premier protein shakes are a good one too
-Dates
-Carbs! If you like sandwiches, do one layer of bread, then the stuff in the middle, then another slice, then more stuff to add in, then another slice. BAsically a 3 layer bread sandwhich. I like nutella (it has micronutrients in it!)

[Sandman2]

    Depression is a very common co-disorder of AD/HD.  A lot of the time its the AD/HD that is the reason for the depression.  And for good reason.  If you don't understand what ADHD is doing to you - you are going to be depressed.  By the way, anxiety is also a common co-disorder for the same reason.   So yes, there is probably a very good chance that you are depressed.  Vyvanse can last 8 to 12 hours.  Too small a dose will not last as long.  If the depression hits you harder at night, it could be because the V has worn off - or simply because you are now trying to do homework and not succeeding very well (because the V has worn off).  Point being, I think that the depression is not so much because of the medication, but rather the ADHD and perhaps everything else going on.
   Now food is another matter.  V takes 30 to 45 min to take effect.  If you are taking it after breakfast and you are nauseous soon after eating.  Its not the V that is doing that.  Decreased appetite is a common side effect of V.  About 40% of people on it report that.  Nausea is only reported by about 6% - so it is possible, but uncommon.  The decreased appetite can be dealt with.  The nausea must be dealt with.  And, I am not so sure that the V is causing that.  It could be some kind of a medical condition.
   To put it bluntly, you are seriously underweight.  In fact, I think that you are dangerously underweight and this needs to be dealt with.  This may or may not require changes in your V, but your underweight condition right now is much more important than school or medication.  You need to talk with who ever will listen to you.  Be it your dad, doctor, or therapist.  You might even want to talk to your school nurse or counselor.
  You also might want to check out this web site on ADHD.  It is by a person with ADHD and you can get a good feeling about what it is and what it can do to you.  Information is important!   http://jeffsaddmind.com/for-first-time-visitors
   To sum it up, I am not necessarily sure that what you are feeling is a side effect of V.  However, it is very possible that your dose can be lowered and it will work perfectly fine for you.  There are several ways that a dose can be carefully lowered.  I also know that a high protein breakfast makes V last much longer.  If you are unable to eat breakfast, the V will not be effective for you.    All, of this should be talked over with your doctor.  It does no harm to try a lower dose and see what happens.
   But, you must deal with your weight loss!
   Please let me know if I can give you or your dad or any body else any more information that will be helpful.  Keep me posted as to what is happening.  Good Luck!!!

[Mariah202]

My dad, doctor, and therapist a'll think my education is more important than my health. so chances are next time I go to the doctor they probably won't lower it. and it's after I eat or drink I feel nauseous. I've told my I dad I think I'm depressed but he dismissed it and Said I'm fine. so I act like everything is fine but it's not. I think it's a side affect of vyvanse.

[Mariah202]

My dad, doctor, and therapist a'll think my education is more important than my health. so chances are next time I go to the doctor they probably won't lower it. and it's after I eat or drink I feel nauseous. I've told my I dad I think I'm depressed but he dismissed it and Said I'm fine. so I act like everything is fine but it's not. I think it's a side affect of vyvanse.

[Sandman2]

     First thought is to take V after breakfast.
     Second thought is that you are on a large amount of V.  Step the dose down.
    But most importantly is why does food make you nauseous?   I can understand a lack of appetite, but not the nausea.  This is something that you should be seeing somebody about.