Appetite

[Melissanmylittleman]

I really need some advice on how to get my son to eat because of his meds he hardly ever has an appetite and when he does he takes a couple bites and says he’s full I’ve tried protein drinks and pedisure he doesn’t like milk and now decided he doesn’t like pedisure either 😥 he’s 6 years old weighs 39 pounds just as skinny as can be I’m concerned his doctor isn’t but they keep giving him meds that takes away his appetite like concerta and vyavance any suggestions would be appreciated

[Aubreyneveau]

Does he have an appetite before he takes med in the morning or at night when it’s wearing off? My son seems to get more hungry at night when med is wearing off so I encourage him to eat his favorite high calorie food like lasagna. He can literally get a full days worth of calories just at dinner or whenever he is hungry. But I guess if he’s never hungry even for favorite foods that’s probably something his doctor needs to address.

[Melissanmylittleman in reply to Aubreyneveau]

Yes he gets hungry at around 2 am lol and of course I feed him but doctor said that isn’t good cause he will get used to it I usually get him to eat a couple bites around 730pm and I will make him whatever he wants healthy food tho no snacks till after he eats I give him ice cream

[Aubreyneveau in reply to Melissanmylittleman]

Sounds like you are doing a great job of encouraging him to eat whenever he is able to. I know it’s a very difficult situation weighing the pros and cons of medication. And it’s hard being the person who has to make the final decision (well with approval of doctor in some situations). Keep trying you will figure out what works best for your child. One thing to look into may be Daytrana. It’s methylphenidate that gets absorbed through a skin patch. It bypasses gi tract so it’s suppose to cause less stomach issues. I don’t have personal experience with it but plan on asking my son’s doctor to order it in 2 weeks.

[Melissanmylittleman in reply to Aubreyneveau]

Please let me know how that works/if it works

[Laurieannh in reply to Aubreyneveau]

My son does this too breakfast and dinner are always big eating but during the day is a struggle. He also is a middle of the night snacked which we try to discourage because it’s usually snacks - he is gaining weight though so the doctor is t concerned with appetite

[katejames]

I understand. My son is thin. Got on meds in 3rd grade (he's now 12) and every mealtime is an issue..."eat your food", "keep eating", "take a big bite and get your socks on while you chew". I give him two EnsurePlus (360 calories) twice a day but there will come a time when he won't do it. He is sometimes at the table an hour after everyone else has eaten. But it has gotten a little better. Its a worry. I would ask a psychiatrist - unless that is his doctor already. My pediatrician didn't know diddly compared to the confidence I have in my son's psychiatrist as far as meds and weight and pros and cons. I will say that my son likes gardening and he grew these mushrooms literally in a box and we made the recipe on the side and he ate two servings he was so excited. Maybe get your son a cookbook and cook up some weird stuff? Or high fat ice cream shakes with dif ingredients.

[virgo02]

I have the same problems. My son is 11 and weighs 53 pounds. He's soo skinny and I'm always stressed out because he won't eat a lot and I'm always worried someone will call the CPS on me. He takes 2 36 mg concerta pills in the morning before school and he won't eat in the mornings anymore. I've tried all kinds of cereals, he won't eat pancakes or waffles. I've tried the protein shakes with choc or straw syrup in them. It's so frustrating so I know how you feel, mom.

[katcald]

My son has the same problem. He is 10 and takes Concerta. I feed him as much breakfast as I can (a LOT of bacon) because I know he won't eat lunch. He is on an appetite stimulate that helps a bit in the evenings. We have a deal that if he eats everything on his plate at dinner, he can eat anything he wants after that (and it's usually ice cream.) hang in there.

[bossladyk]

My son 8 yr old, on Focalin RX 10mg, never has an appetite. I feed him before he takes his meds, give him his pill right before he catch the school bus. Pack a small lunch of food he likes....PBJ, go-gourt, chips and juice. Allow a snack when he comes home from school. We have a rule must eat green veggies at least 3 days a week[ basically every other day]. When he eats, he must take 8 mouthfuls......because he's 8 yrs old. If green beans, must stack 8 beans on fork, and take 8 mouthfuls......at least this way I know he has some veggies. Been doing the mouthfuls/age thing since he was 3, he's a picky eater. I wanted him to try things before refusing, so now it's the norm. I also put his veggies in a separate 1 cup container, once he starts eating usually, he finishes. Gets a dessert when all food gone, I always cut his meat into 8 bite size pieces.........Must also find a protein drink he likes......mine loves pedisure........strawberry flavor, so he drinks it ...........I buy it by the case at Sams or BJs. I have quick frozen items on hand that he likes..........white castle cheeseburgers, red barron mini pizzas, hot pockets............he really into frozen dinners now.....the kid ones or anything that comes with a dessert , like a brownie.....

I hope some of the things I do help........BTW my 8 yr old is a big boy.......4'8......80 lbs....thin and tall