STIMULANTS CAUSING WEIGHT GAIN... | ADHD Information

Hi-

I've posted this question under other topics...and have gotten limited response.

I started Adderal and promptly gained about 8 pounds in a month....

So, I switched to Ritalin and didn't notice much difference in the weigh gain.....

I FELT much better on Ritalin than on Strattera (which I had taken for two years prior).....BUT, can't handle the weight gain.  Didn't know WHEN it would stop!!  It seemed like bloat...but, I don't know.

I know that the normal reaction to stimulants is weight loss or loss of appetite...has ANYONE else had the same reaction that I had?  I'd love to go back to the Ritalin....but, afraid.

Thanks,

Lynn

Lynn, is it possible for you to go on Concerta? I have been taking it and it really hast done anything for me on 36 MG, but there is still a higher dose. Anyways, as far as the weight gain, Concerta is supposed to make u drop weight from lossof appetite. Talk to your DR. about whether that would benefit you or not. Good luck 

Has Concerta helped you with the ADD?  Have you tried other ADD meds?

Lynn

Lynn, I am on my second day of Concerta. Yesterday I took 18MG, but my dr said go ahead and take 36 MGs. so I just took 2 Concerta 18MG's. The 18MG are normally for kids, I am a female 6'2 adult so for sure I need at least 36 MGs. As far as the result, my doctor said I should notice immediate results, but he might have meant immediate as in a few days. It's day two and I feel a smidge "quieter" with maybe a SMAAAAAALLLL change in focus. So far I am disapointed but maybe I have to wait longer. Anyways, Concerta has a higher dose that a lot of people are on, so I bet I just need that one. The side effects of Concerta arent bad compared to other MEDS and weight loss is expected woo hoo!.  Hope this helps.

Joy

Ditzy,

I've been thinking about this. Is it that the meds make you hungry and y ou're snacking?

Whats the difference between your unmedicated calorific intake and what you're eating when you're on meds.?

How active are you?

Thanks.
I've never heard of that.  Typically it is the opposite that is a problem.  Adderall raises your metabolism, and (usually) suppresses hunger.  Could it be a symptom of some underlying health problem?

When I was on the Adderall (regular)...I was CONSTANTLY in a state of hunger...I would hang out LOOKING IN THE CUPBOARD...and even eat stale crackers!  Prior to that--I was never hungry...(I was on Strattera then).  Never HAVE been a big eater, though.

So, I gained 8 pounds...new it was from eating too much--but, it was also bloat..I could feel it!  8 pounds in one month is HORRIBLE.

Then, the doc put me on Ritalin.....and I only gave that a week....put on three more pounds...and decided to call it quits.  I was NOT as hungry or looking for food while on the Ritalin...maybe I should have given it more time.

Now, I've been back on Strattera for about a week.....I don't feel good, again....it makes me tired.  Wanted to see if I would drop any of the weight. 

I'm not that active---because I have fibromyalgia.  BUT, I have not been active for three years now. (even at 125 pounds not active) So, before Straterra I weighed about 145....went on Strattera for two years and was 125...then 133 this past year.

When I started Adderall--in one month I hit 141.  NOT a happy camper..and all the weight is in my abdomen..the bad place for it to be...it looks like I'm nine months pregnant.  The pharmacist said it looked like BLOAT to her....

Thanks.

I doubt it--since it all started when I started taking the Adderall.

I am going to an internal med specialist tomorrow...but, I'm not holding my breath!

Thanks.

Hi Lynn,

I have been on Adderall for 7 mos. now; also taking Effexor (Zoloft before Effexor).  When I first began taking adderall I didn't eat much and lost a few pounds.  However, after taking it for about 3 mos. my appetite picked up.  I have to say now that I have a voracious appetite!  But I also work out daily. 

For the last 2 mos. I have to eat small meals or snacks every 1 1/2 - 2 hrs.  Sometimes I feel hungry all day and other times I don't, but when the Adderall wears off in the evening I usually crave sweets.  And this is a craving I cannot ignore - it won't go away. 

Basically, I either crave protein or sweets.  When I eat I HAVE TO - my concentration fades and I become cranky.

Good luck - Jme

 

Adderall XR here.. started with 15mg, went to 20mg and now on 25mg... hunger is non-existant, i simply don't eat much.. the first week i was on Adderall XR i ate NOTHING at all.. just drank lots of water (which you need to drink a lot of on Adderall XR in my case, otherwise i get migraines).

With a hefty excersize routine consisting of weightlifting, taking creatine and three protein shakes per day (on top of normal meals) i manage to keep myself between 130 and 140 pounds, but weight gain is nearly impossible by now (hell, our 'fat measuring' scale can't even measure my fat percentage anymore).
Ditzy, Let me know if you find a solution to your weight gain. I have the same problem. I have been on so many medications for depression and for adhd, seperately and together, and they ALL cause weight gain in me. They simulate a food addiction in me. I went from 112 lbs. to 208 lbs. The Drs. do not know what to put me on. The Dr.just put me on Concerta, 36 mg., he said that should help me to control my appetite. This is the WORST of all of them, so far. I feel alone and helpless, and as tho I'm the only one in the world with this problem. I tried stopping all medication and my appetite went away COMPLETELY. I lost 20 lbs in 3 weeks. That seperation from food was wonderful. That part of me returned to normal, but I had to get back on meds due to all the other complexities. If I find a "miracle medicine", I will post it for you as well.   

Icur12--

I am seeing the psychiatrist again on Thursday...I thought of asking him FOR Concerta!  I'll let you know what he says.....

I'm quite upset about the weight gain from the Adderall..because it isn't coming off.  I don't need to carry around an extra 10 pounds. 

 

Strattera put weight on our skinny son. He also grew. He has it only on full stomach. He is using only during the school year. I like the no schedule we have this summer.Thyroid issues mine is hypo also. All I seem to do on this is change dosages. This is a Autoimmune problem and also messes up the matoblism also. I had to add a Floria (Good bacteria) to prevent getting ill. Has to be taken on a empty stomach 2 hrs before meal or 1 hr. after.Have you had you thyroid checked. I was on strattera and it made me pass out. I went to the dr. He checked my thyroid I found out I am hypothyriod,That would explain why I gained 20 lbs in 3 months. I just thought it was because I got a desk job. When you take strattera and you have a low thyroid it hits you really hard and makes you sleepy due to your body is not metabolizing as it should. I would get that checked out. i had everyone @ the office asking me when my baby was due. My nick name was Britney Spears. Now I am on synthroid. I have lost 5 lbs in a month. Not much but it is harder to take off  then it is to put on. Now the rumor is that I had an abortion.That is NOT HOT! 

 

 I have a ppointment to go see a doctor about being put on Armour. I go later next month how is that working out for you? Has it helped you at all?

Thanks for the input.  Yes, I am already on Armour Thyroid...been on it for almost 10 years due to hypothyroidism.....

Lynn

When I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome....about 10 years ago--that was what the doc put me on.  My thyroid tests are always in the "normal" range...but, he said that I need them to be functioning at "high normal" instead.  It works well....didn't notice any side effects except more energy....

I tried Synthroid, later on because another doc didn't like Armour....but, I didn't like how I felt on Synthroid.  Much rather take the more "natural" approach....