If you have ADHD, please help me eat.

[sometimesrunner]

I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and have been on meds for a couple of months now. I am definitely noticing a decrease in appetite, and I've been losing weight. (prob 5 lbs in 3 months) I feel like I'm in my first trimester again where I start eating something, and then my stomach turns and I have to stop eating immediately. I'm hoping I'll plateau eventually, but I know I need help getting calories and nutrients. Does anyone have tips for advice for me? I'm wondering if I need to suck it up and get help from a RD. I'd love any input or commiseration. 

[shauni27]

not personally but a lot of friends who have kids with this issue--they do not take their medications on weekends. Then they eat a lot more on the weekends to kind of "catch up."

[Deleted]

I just started Adderall about 6 weeks ago, and I’m definitely still trying to figure out eating. I welcome weight loss, but also need to make sure I’m eating enough and not starving myself.

What I typically do in a day:
- I make myself eat something before I take my meds. I am not typically a breakfast person, but I like Premier Protein frozen pancakes that I heat up and eat in the car on my way to work.
- While my meds are active, I get major food ick. I can eat a few bites here and there (string cheese, handful of grapes, maybe a protein shake) but not much. I’m starting to figure out what doesn’t sound icky.
- I eat a light snack when I get home from work as my meds are wearing off.
- I can typically eat a normal-ish dinner, though maybe a slightly smaller portion than I would have eaten pre-meds.

I’m trying to focus on protein and fruits/veggies. Honestly I kind of like not feeling like I need to snack on carbs all day.

[sometimesrunner]

@villainv, yes, the ick! So many foods I like just sounds gross now. Agreed that a little weight loss is ok, but now how I'm doing it currently. :/

[AdaraMarie]

I really wish I had this side effect a lot of the time. I am on adderall and keep getting bigger. Not helpful.

[tiki]

Obviously you know your own body best, but for most adults 5lb in 3 mo wouldn't be a concerning rate of weight loss. It might be a good idea to make sure you're not short on some key nutrient because your diet has shifted, though. I personally like keeping a food journal in MyFitnessPal when I want to check in on what I'm eating. If it turns out you're no longer getting enough protein, or enough iron, that will help inform what you try to eat more of.

Also, FWIW, stimulant meds never turned my stomach. It was more like I just wasn't hungry in the first place, and I'd miss lunch because it just never occurred to me. If you're regularly feeling nauseated, I'd mention that to your doctor.

[litskispeciality]

I just started on Adderal about 5 months ago so grain of salt. I actually welcome weight loss although I haven't had any yet.

I'm very much go all day without eating, or prioritize doing something else first over eating. Eventually I get distracted and just don't eat, then have a big meal very late (I know my privilege there.) Never knew that was a possible ADHD thing, and made sure to bring it up in testing, although that's a story for another thread.

Anyway, I still don't get super hungry, however I'm trying to get better about setting a routine for food. For example I take my morning work break (WFH) and make oatmeal with a scoop of peanut butter and an apple. I also focus on doing a couple of quick chores like emptying the dishwasher, taking care of the cats, while the food cooks because that's when I have the most energy.

Lunch is still a struggle, and honestly I'm just somewhat lucky my husband's home a lot. He'll make lunch and make extra so I eat. If he's on shift or otherwise busy I can def skip lunch and pay for it later. Friday's are the worst and I really just have to set a reminder "take your lunch break, make food and eat". Also leftovers or really easy things like PB&J are the best for me to actually eat between a 30 min lunch break and just no desire/energy to make something. Perhaps you can try having some snacks on hand like nut bars, fruit etc. something easy to grab and go.

Adderal has helped me cut down on carb cravings, esp later at night with say dessert and chips. It's also helped me realize I'm full much sooner and I *think* I'm eating less. I'm even getting sick of fried food, although some of that is just having it too much lately (take out).

I don't take A on the weekends unless I need the energy like to drive to see my dad. If you can handle the time off and then back on it again on Monday that might help to catch up on calories as mentioned above. If you still feel nauseated with the meds you should probably bring that up to your doc and see what they say. Maybe they can do a med change.

Also you don't have to answer this, have you tried changing when you take your meds? Does it work for you when you take it now? Maybe changing the time a bit might work for food?
I was taking my pill right when I got up so I didn't need any coffee, but I'd get too wiped by 2/3 PM. I started moving my meds to about 1.5 hours after I'm up, drinking a LOT of water and some coffee, and so far it works. I'm only on one pill so far and that works for me.

[raleighnc]

It might not be covered for you, but our pedi and my kids say that Jornay is much less of N appetite suppressant than other meds. It's a delayed release/extended release methylphenidate that you take at night.