Methylphenidate and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 9, 2020

Methylphenidate for ADHD "It took a while to get used to, but I weigh about 160 lb and take 54 mg daily now. Overall, it just makes it so much easier to be focused and organized, with the meds, I can actually keep routines. The biggest side effect for me is the appetite loss, I lost 30 lb within the first 6 months. Thankfully, that has lessened a lot, and I’ve gained some of the weight back, but definitely something to consider if you have concerns about being underweight or disordered eating. As well, if you try to have caffeine, nicotine, sativa, or any stimulants, you’re going to feel like absolute garbage, so follow the doctor's order and avoid them. The only other warning you might not find online is that the brand name Concerta is expensive and not always covered (in BC, Canada). It wasn’t covered by my university health plan, but it’s covered by my work plan with Blue Cross. For 90 tablets of 54 mg Concerta (brand name, my doctor told me not to take the generic), it costs $400."

• Luc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 16, 2015

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I have been taking Ritalin for almost 3 years, and it has been great. I had ADHD in high school and college. I couldn't focus, listen to lectures, read well, or study. I saw a doctor during college, and he prescribed me Ritalin 20 mg 3 times a day (I had long days in college). I was finally able to read well, study, and focus. I love learning now, I'm motivated, and my mood improved. Now I take 20 mg 2 times a day (I graduated and go to bed earlier). It lasts around 4 hours. I never experience withdrawal or major sleepiness when I don't take it. Side effects: difficulty sleeping if taken too close to bedtime and appetite loss (minor). I highly suggest an eating schedule and drinking lots of water so you don't eat too little. I would often forget to eat in the beginning."

• Bai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2013

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I have been taking Ritalin for about a month now. It really helps me focus on things. But a downfall is that it is really hard to multitask. I can only concentrate on one thing at a time, and that makes it very difficult for my schoolwork. Also, I have had a huge loss of appetite. I am not hungry, EVER. During the month I have been on this medicine, I have lost almost twenty pounds due to the fact that I never want to eat."

• rji...
• January 12, 2009

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I am 26 years old and have been using Concerta for approximately 9 months. I have been extremely impressed with my new ability to focus and attention to detail. I have always been a daydreamer, and that paid off in creativity. However, daydreaming during a meeting with the president of the company you work for doesn't pay off. My wife, out of angst, suggested that I might have ADHD and should consider getting tested. After a 5-hour psychological evaluation, it was decidedly so. Since I have started Concerta, I have been promoted to the top position in my office. It controls my anxiety and keeps me calm and focused. The only side effects that I have noticed are weight loss (lost 30 lbs) due to loss of appetite and a lack of emotion."

• Twi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 12, 2013

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My 8-year-old has been taking this medication since he was 5 years old. He started at 10 mg. I took him to the doctor to see about increasing it to 20 mg. While at the doctor's office, the doctor said he needs 30 mg. We tried that for a week or so. My son lost his appetite and complained of his heart hurting. I took him back and put him on 20 mg. When he started the medication, everyone could see a huge difference in his behavior. They said he was like a different child. Straight A's for the past 3 report cards. The medicine runs out near the end of the day. If he has issues, that's when it happens. At times he hits himself, makes strange noises, and can be moody. He sleeps well, and he is at 85% in his weight. It has worked for him."

• Anonymous
• October 5, 2009

Methylphenidate for ADHD "For years I had been battling behavior problems with my son who is now 10. He was not a bad child but had no concentration span, would fidget, annoy others, and was falling way behind children the same age as him. Finally, we managed to get him seen by a specialist. He has now been on Ritalin 15mg for 4 months and the change is unbelievable. He is already catching up with his school work, making more friends as he understands them better, and is generally just more content and happy. At first, he was teary and clingy when first put on them, but that soon went. The only downside for my son is that he is not as hungry as he used to be and lost a lot of weight in the beginning, but is steadily putting it back on now."

• Lab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2019

For Depression "Bipolar II for 30 years, with the depressive phase being treatment resistant. Have tried many, many antidepressants and mood stabilizers, as well as ECT. My psychiatrist finally prescribed Adderall 30 mg to my current regime: Zoloft 300, Latuda 40, Epival 1000, Lithium 900. I felt the effects of Adderall within a couple of hours and had the most productive and pleasant day in over a year. I didn't feel too hyped up, and I was able to sleep. (I made sure I gave myself enough wind-down time and self-care.) It is an appetite suppressant for sure, but mostly just makes me take the time to make better food choices. Hope that helps, it is certainly helping me."

• Cat...
• February 8, 2016

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I've been taking Concerta for 3 years now, and I'm 18. I started out with 18 mg and slowly went up to 54 mg. My grades went from really low to average in weeks, but the side effects are really crappy. I have trouble sleeping at night, and I feel things that aren't there. I also have a big loss of appetite and have to force myself to eat sometimes. I have days where I get really depressed to the point that I don't want to get out of bed and do anything. I also feel really anxious and on edge, and I start scratching/picking at my skin, which gave me scars all over my back. I thought about it and went off the pill, and my grades suddenly dropped again. The pill really does help with focus and motivation, but the side effects are really tough!!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 23, 2022

Methylphenidate for ADHD "Concerta may work for some people, but it actually screws up. (I’m a minor and can’t make myself talk to my parents - partially because of the drug). Although it has proven to “work” for me, this stupid drug makes me feel like a walking corpse. I feel usually numb throughout the day and have an emotional crash at home. I can never think of anything to say, I trail off in the middle of answering things. I have no appetite to the point at which the thought of food makes me feel nauseous. I randomly get extremely nervous, my insomnia has gotten worse, I have really shaky muscles, I have tics, I have increased symptoms of severe depression and social anxiety. When it wears off, I feel awful and mean, and if I skip a single day, then I feel really sick. I don’t recommend this drug."

• Anonymous
• April 28, 2011

For Depression "I was diagnosed with ADD at the age of 30. Ritalin has changed my life, and I'm not sure I could function as an independent adult without it at this point. I am now able to set goals and follow through with them. My mood is more stable, I look forward to waking up in the morning again, and it doesn't affect my appetite too much. You do need to make sure you find your dose for optimal results. I feel Vyvanse works better but is too expensive for me at this time, and it takes away my appetite and keeps me up too late."

• FIR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2019

Methylphenidate for ADHD "Went on Ritalin for the first time today, and I hated it. Took 5 mg at 8:30 a.m. and then another 5 mg at 12:30 p.m. Within an hour of taking both times, I was falling asleep at my desk and had to follow up with a coffee to stay awake. I didn’t feel as though it made me any more alert or focused. The second pill I took after an hour and a half, I felt hot and my heart rate increased. I did notice it suppressed my appetite for 3 hours. In the afternoon, I suffered severe irritability, to the point where I was yelling at colleagues, then suffered what I believe was a panic attack. Felt not in control, was crying uncontrollably. I forced myself to work out so I could work the Ritalin out of my system. Horrible :("

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2015

Methylphenidate for ADHD "ADD/ADHD has always been an issue, sure - grades sucked, concentration lacked, motivation gone. But, when the doctor prescribed Concerta, that all changed. I felt a change and saw my grades and concentration get better and better. The appetite loss was a minor issue. I've always been a big eater with a super fast metabolism. When I was told I was a few pounds overweight, I was happy. The solution to the problem is to force yourself to eat. It's not a bad sacrifice if you see a positive difference in your performance. I'm 6'5", 17 years old, and 210 pounds. I'm skinny, sure, but I'm willing to sacrifice quite a bit so I can do better in school. :)"

• Sam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 7, 2014

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My son is 11 and has been taking Metadate CD for 4 years. He is now taking 30 mg in the morning. He is very thin and has no appetite during the day, but when his appetite comes back at bedtime, we always let him eat as much as he wants. When he doesn't take this medication, he says he can't do any of his work at school, so we feel it really benefits him. He still has a lot of trouble with disorganization and being moody, and sometimes aggressive, especially in the evenings when he is coming down off the medicine. He also has some headaches still, but not too much trouble sleeping. His behavior and ability to finish his school work all depend on whether he has had his medication though."

• Bee...
• September 11, 2019

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I was put on 36 mg Concerta in my 20s, and it helped drastically. I was able to finally concentrate and read without having to reread things because I was distracted every 0.5 seconds. I lost my appetite and would get insomnia at times. I went from a size 16 to 8 within a year, which honestly helped my health, and I was able to start going to the gym for the first time. I got off it when I moved overseas for 8 years, and now I’m back on it. The first couple of weeks are a bit rough, it gives me anxiety and restlessness, it’s an instant laxative, and makes you pretty antisocial. But remember, your body adjusts, and you start feeling more normal and less anxiety. However, if I take 36 mg and have any other stimulant like caffeine, I literally feel like I’m having a heart attack and anxiety attack at the same time. Be careful with mixing stimulants with this med if you have anxiety. Otherwise, it’s amazing and works miracles. Also, when I got off the 36 mg, my weight went up so fast."

• Sim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2014

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I was put on Ritalin 10 mg three times a day, then on Concerta 27 mg. I didn't have any side effects until I went to 36 mg, and I was only losing my appetite. I went back down, and it still is really helping my concentration. I finish my work on time and am able to work to a higher level of work."

• Dee...
• November 25, 2015

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I've been on and off this medication for a few years now. I have mixed feelings toward it. The first 30 minutes to an hour of taking it, I feel a rush and a feeling of I can do anything. That rush motivates me to go to the gym, actually. After the rush is gone, I feel more focused and alert. After the alertness has worn off, I feel moody and irritable. I'm very aware it's the medication making me on edge and try to control it. I get a bit headachy sometimes, and it bothers my stomach from time to time. Always hungry? Not on this medication. Appetite gone, at least for a while until the next pill. Make sure to eat! I would say this medication is addictive and would not recommend it to anyone that has an addiction problem."

• Emm...
• February 12, 2016

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I'm 18 years old and have been prescribed 74 mg of Concerta a day. Three pills in the morning and one in the afternoon if needed. I had been diagnosed with severe ADHD, and this drug has changed the way I learn and study dramatically. It's amazing how confident and focused I am now. I always feel so good on it too, until I'm starving to death. Concerta absolutely kills your appetite. The sad part is I cannot even force myself to eat, and it has already taken a toll on my weight. I have always been insecure about my body, so it is nice losing the extra pounds, however, I don't enjoy talking to anyone at school anymore. Even though I feel good all during the school day, I am quiet and hungry."

• ADH...
• March 16, 2014

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My son is 7 years old and has been diagnosed with ADHD and is using Daytrana 10 mg, which has been the BEST so far! After applying the patch, it takes a couple of hours for the medicine to start working. I noticed that if I place the patch on his hip, but closer to his butt, it is more effective. (My doctor said that other parents had noticed that the placement of the patch makes a difference.) At school, he is able to control his impulses, focus, and most importantly, still be a 7-year-old boy (not a zombie). The only downfalls to this medication are that he does not have an appetite (most of these meds cause this), and the area where you place the patch can get red and itchy. I rotate where I place the patch and use baby oil to remove the adhesive."

• Anonymous
• December 2, 2014

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I started using the patch when I was about 9 and using it now. I'm 13. I was in the lowest classes, and now I'm in the highest class in my grade. I used to have to sit in my room for 4 1/2 hours until I finished my homework. It got so bad sometimes that I didn't even finish my homework because it was getting too late. I couldn't hang out with friends. Now it only takes me about 30 minutes to an hour to finish. This patch helps me throughout the day. I only use it on weekdays when I'm at school because I only use it when I have to finish a task. But during school, I find my stomach rumbling in classes. I ate breakfast every morning and tried to eat lunch, but I lose my appetite. I find myself sweating during class also from not eating in the day."

• Axe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2019

Methylphenidate for ADHD "Concerta has been a life-changing drug. My studies have become more interesting, and I have a long attention span. I wake up before tests to study and have more motivation to do laborious tasks. It has helped with my learning disabilities in regard to memorization, math, and writing. I can read without checking my phone every minute. The downsides are you become antisocial, don't eat lunch, and don't have much of a sex drive. Once the medication wears off, you become hungry and return to normal. In my opinion, the benefits outweigh the cons. I do believe I have developed a tolerance, so I will be upping my dosage from 36 mg to 54 mg in the near future. If you are struggling in school, this medication is for you! I wish I had this earlier in my life so I could choose a more challenging major."

• Hom...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 9, 2015

Methylphenidate for ADHD "At the age of 10, my son's ADHD was needing medical help. He was put on Concerta 18 mg and was a little unwell for two weeks, with a sick stomach, lack of appetite, and slightly listless. Made sure he ate breakfast before taking his tablet. He did look a little thin after about 1 year. We persevered with Concerta and life quickly improved until almost all ADHD problems had disappeared. Did not increase the initial drug dose. But after 18 months, he was becoming quiet and withdrawn. Decided to stop Concerta. Mild withdrawal symptoms for a week or so. We have never looked back. He is now 14, not on any medications and is a tall, healthy teenager. Wow, recommend this tablet. He may need it again someday."

• Anonymous
• May 20, 2011

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My 8-year-old son was diagnosed with ADHD nearly 1 year ago. We tried 4 different medications - 2 gave him side effects of not being able to sleep and high anxiety. 2 did nothing for him. Then we tried Metadate CD. We started with 10 mg, which didn't really do anything. 20 mg was better, but still some issues in the attention area. We are now at 30 mg, and it's great. His teacher has also said that school is much better. He makes sense in his answers, he's not blurting out or disrupting the class. We give it to him at 6:45 am and can get through a bit of homework until 5:30 pm. Then it's worn off. I think that's a great amount of time and no side effects of lack of sleep, lack of appetite, or mood/anxiety issues. I hope it continues."

• Anonymous
• March 21, 2011

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My son was diagnosed with ADHD (predominantly inattentive) two years ago. I tried all kinds of non-medication treatments: tutors, 504 Plan, psychotherapy, meditation, Omega-3, diet, patience, love, encouragement, bribery... everything I could think of, but his grades continued to decline. He was finally prescribed 18 mg of Concerta. By the end of the 1st week, he was acing his tests, and his teacher said she finally has a student to teach and not just a body. The change is amazing. Slight decrease in appetite and the first couple of days it affected his sleep. Other than that, no side effects."

• Anonymous
• October 9, 2017

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I am a 20 y/o girl. I was on 54 mg of Concerta once a day. This drug was the worst thing that's ever happened to me. It did help my grades, but I felt most of it was placebo, and the fact that the side effects were so horrible, I wanted to focus on work to distract myself. It made my anxiety unbearable and constant. My heart beat in my head. My whole left arm and pinky would feel numb and prickly. I knew I was hungry but could not eat and was disgusted by food. I fell into a horrible depression and felt just overwhelming darkness. The pros were that it made sitting in long classes and retaining information much easier. I felt excited about learning and getting work done. Overall, it helped with school, but the side effects are not worth it."

• Cha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 15, 2016

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I am 20 years old, and I did exceedingly well in high school and nursing school without ADHD medication. Once I graduated and moved into the workplace, my ADHD spun completely out of control. I had a very hard time adjusting. This medication has helped me think clearly, focus on tasks, and stop me from being so impulsive and rude. My appetite has gone down for sure, but I try to focus on superfoods I can eat in small amounts. I think it's important to have coping strategies and work through your ADHD before jumping straight to medications. I would highly recommend this medication for adults who are struggling, not for children, though."