Appetite advice

[sarahchiov]

My 9 year old son has been taking focal XR for about three months and has lost 6lbs. I'm getting very concerned. I can't get him to eat more than a few bites at any meal. I see his energy decreasing with his size, and I worry about long term physical development problems. My doctor has advised me so far to just make sure that when he is eating, he's getting a lot of protein and fat. I'm not convinced thats enough. 'm looking for advice and experience with how to get the right nutrition in him.

[Snaizy]

We have the same issue one of the few things that has worked are Pediasure shakes. It’s like chocolate milk to them and my son will easily take 2-3 a day. Not like I want him on a liquid diet but it’s better than nothing and has vitamins and protein at least. He likes them so much I now say that he only “gets” one if he eats a couple bites of the actual solid food meal. He also brings one in for lunch and his teachers make sure he drinks it— he almost never eats solid food at school. Sigh. Not a perfect solution... his weight has stabilized after him going from 48 to 42 pounds over 3 months which is not OK!!

[Pauple99]

My son is 11 yrs old and takes Focalin XR 10mg in am, Focalin 5mg at lunch, then Intuniv 2mg around 4pm. He's good with breakfast before meds, most days, but rarely eats lunch at school. His appetite doesn't come back until about 7-8 pm. Which is very frustrating because I have already cooked dinner, put everything away, did all the dishes and now he wants me to make him something. I try to be understanding because its not his fault and accommodate him. He hasn't lost any weight exactly but certainly has not gained. He's rail thin and very short. I have started giving him 1 Pedisure drink a day and forcing a fruit or veggie (like baby carrots) with every meal. On the weekends his appetite will come back between am and lunch dose so I just try to stuff him as much as I can. The Dr. said Anything you can get him to eat...within reason. I understand your concern and it's a very difficult situation especially if the meds are working.

[katcald]

Hi, Sarah. I have the same problem. We had to cut my 10 year old son back on his medicine over Christmas Break because he had lost so much weight his Doctor was concerned. We got his weight back up, but it is a struggle to get him to eat. (He never eats lunch at school.)

When he does eat, I give him as much fat and protein as I can. Lots of bacon and cheese with his breakfast, cream in his scrambled eggs, etc. And ice cream. I hate it (really not a fan off all the sugar) but he eats a dish of ice cream almost every day. I have started giving him a multi-vitamin as well.

[Smorte]

Look for a new medication. We switched from Vyvanse to Quillichew. Big difference in appetite and finally gained weight. We’ve tried everything from pediasure and weight gainer powders in shakes. Nothing worked. We finally had to switch because he was falling on the growth chart. Now he’s doing so much better, wish we had tried this before this year. He’s 9.

[Starrlight]

Could you try Pediasure drinks to get his weight up? That’s what my doc prescribed my son who was underweight. Best to you.

[sarahchiov in reply to Starrlight]

We've tried pediasure and boost. He likes them and drinks a few gulps, but then feels full and can't make himself drink more. Same with any food. He'll eat a few bites but then feels full and can't make himself eat anymore.

[Starrlight in reply to sarahchiov]

hugs to you. I really hope you will find what is needed.

[anirush]

My grandson was on Focalin XR for years. He would always eat a good breakfast before he got his meds. He hardly ever ate at school. But he would usually eat good in the evening. He stayed really skinny but maintained his weight. Really worked well for years though.