Adhd meds and stomach issues

[suzhikr]

Hi everyone! I am new to this board and dont know where else to turn.

My 19 year old AUdhd daugther was just diagnosed with gastroparesis (where the stomach muscles work very slowly to push the food out of her stomach) and she regularly has stomach pain. I feel awful because I read that adderall can cause this- though it is very rare- and of course we didnt know that going in. She had been taking Adderall (not XR) for a couple years and it was successful for her.

She went off the Adderall so I am looking to find out if there are any other ADHD meds that you have tried that have not caused stomach pain. Our problem is that our medicine prescriber doesnt know about GI issues and our GI doctor doesnt know about ADHD medication! We are treating the gastroparesis through diet and looking into medication as well.

Thanks! Suzanne

[Onthemove1971]

Our son sees a GI Specialist and takes ADHD medication. I agree no one knows about the other.

I assume you have tried decreasing her current dose and she still had issues?

You could look at 2 other medications but I think it best if you have a Pharmasist look and see it there are any stomach issues with them.

The first is Initiv ( Guanfacine ) which is a non-stimulant, which really helped our son with focus. The other option is Wellburtin, which is neither a stimulant or nor Stimulant, but has really worked well for our son.

Hope this helps.

[PixieL]

My son also takes Adderall and has stomach issues. I am glad you posted this, I did not know that the GI could be from his Adderall. Thank you for the information, I will be looking into this for him.

[LisethHIS]

Hi Suzhikr,

Thank you for contacting CHADD National Resource Center on ADHD. My first recommendation would be to see a gastroenterologist. I would like to share my personal journey with gastroparesis and offer some insight. Many medications can cause gastroparesis over time or another health condition.

What has helped me managed my condition better, have been staying well-hydrated, drinking plenty of water, I have adjusted my eating habits to eating smaller portions, avoiding fast food, going for 20-30 minute walk or exercise daily. I also take peppermint capsules 30 minutes before meals twice a day. Another important tip is to avoid sleeping immediately after eating, as this can exacerbate symptoms. It's important to recognize that each individual's experience with gastroparesis is unique, but I hope these insights offer some valuable guidance and support.

Regarding your daughter's ADHD medication, I recommend discussing potential alternatives with her prescribing doctor, such as Daytrana. It may be beneficial for her doctor to collaborate with the gastroenterologist to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses both medical conditions. Of course, your daughter would need to provide authorization.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Best Regards,

Liseth

Health Information Specialist

CHADD’s National Resource Center on ADHD

chadd.org

[concerned2]

Oh wow reading your story makes me think my 13 year has the same problem. She always complains her stomach hurting right after swallowing her medicine, i just thought maybe it was either cramps or just upset and her pediatrician has no clue giving her a liquid medicine to take to soothe her belly. I definitely will look into this GI issue, but she used to take focalin xr. I do not if they started it or others before that medication, she has been on concerta and vyvanse before so not sure when one caused it but she is experiencing the pain on focalinXR. I hope we find a solution for our babies! Good luck!