Anyone noticed growth restriction with Ritalin?

[AquaMomma]

HI folks, my 9 year old has finally - thankfully - been diagnosed with ADHD and needs medication for sure BUT he's already skinny and midrange height for his age. So I'm worried about starting him on Ritalin (what's available in this country). Has anyonehad a child on Ritalin for a year/few years and noticed reduced growth in height? Thanks.

[BLC89]

Hello AquaMommaThe idea that ADHD meds impede growth is not true. They do suppress appetite so you need to plan meals around when you take it - big breakfast, then meds, calories dense easy lunch, big snacks after school - but they don't keep you from growing.

Ritalin in particular has been in use for nearly 100 years and is quite effective and safe. Keep and eye out for side effects, of course, and plan around when they take it, like meals, and when it wears off.

Good luck

BLC89

Full disclosure: I am an ADHD Parent Coach. I have been married to ADHD for nearly 30 years and raised two kids who have ADHD. I am CCSP certified. Find out more at bluelakecoaching.com

[Onthemove1971]

Thanks for joining us, we too had fears about all the side effects.

Our son started out "not as hungry" but we just continues to push protein and shakes/smoothies. He knew his medication made him less hungry, but he was good when we offered a number of healthy options.

I can say nope on the grow, our son is 6 feet and 200lbs..

Best of luck.

[Boatmama in reply to Onthemove1971]

Hi, my brother who is 40 years old now was on Ritalin for many years when we were at school . He had 2 side effects that I can remember: he became serious and boring ( to me as a sister wanting to play) and he was not hungry and became a thin boy but he had NO growth problems. Today he is 6,1 tall, he is still hiperactive but learned how to conduct it in a productive way. He is successful professionally, has lots of friends and is such a caring person. Today I am struggling with my 6 year old son who appears to be the same.

[Numberate]

My oldest son started around the same age and was on the skinnier side and average in height. It did affect his appetite to where it was a struggle for him to eat but we got creative with timing and high calories snacks and meals. He is now 13, still on the same medication, and has stretched out so much. Still on the skinner side but growing like a weed. The medication doesn't seem to affect his appetite as much as it used to when he first started.

[Mamamichl]

my brother is a bit shorter I believe (we are in our 40s). But we are talking a couple inches at most.

[MyWanderfulBoy]

Hello! Just came to say my son had been on adderall since 6. He’s almost 8 and he’s grown just fine. He’s quite tall for his age and his growth chart shows he’s tracking steadily, no change. The medication did affect his appetite in the beginning, as others are also saying. It’s usually lunch that is most affected. You can get breakfast in most times before the medication starts working and dinner in after it’s worn off. We were worried about so much before he started medication, but it’s been the best thing for him and he just can amazing 2nd grade year.

[CHADDMOM]

Hi AquaMomma,

It can become concerning when a stimulant seems to interfere with appetite. My son looked thin for a little while but it soon passed when his teenage years and appetite kicked in. It doesn’t last but in the time where it might affect him, know that feeding him when he is hungry is the way to get around this. I used cereals and smoothies to get his last meal in around 9 o’clock before bed. Hope this helps.

[STEM_Dad]

A Swedish meta study found a stronger correlation between having ADHD and being smaller due to other factors (genetics and family environment) than due to the effects of ADHD stimulant medication.

There is not strong evidence to support the idea that ADHD medication reduces growth.

The #1 factor in a child's size is genetics. The #2 factor is nutrition.

The other the major contributing factors that you can control are: providing a stable home environment, and encouraging physical activity.

• I'm certain that each of those has a bigger impact on a child's growth that stimulant medications do.

~~~~~

Is he healthy? Does he get adequate nutrition? If so, good!

(Note, I didn't ask how much he eats. Each person has a different metabolism, food preferences, etc.)

Talk with his doctor about your concerns, but don't fret unless you notice any concerning changes on medication.

[Klmamma]

We had more issues with growth on his asthma medication than we have with stimulants. My kid actually gained 15 pounds when he first started meds bc he could sit still long enough to eat.

Just make sure they take their meds and then immediately eat breakfast bc it does suppress the appetite some. That goes away with time. Mines 10 and eats lunch even when he doesn't feel hungry bc he knows it's the meds. Be prepared when they wear off for the binge eating lol we just make sure there's healthy carbs and fruit available. Popcorn, cheese, berries, bananas and apples. The Fairlife Protein drinks are also a life saver.

[OrangeRhymer in reply to Klmamma]

That’s a really interesting point about your child being able to sit still long enough to eat a meal. I’m hoping that’s the case for us—we have an appointment today for a prescription to start my kiddo on meds. Right now she can’t sit still long enough for a meal and gets a lot of calories with snacks. That’s fine, but admittedly the meals are healthier than the snacks!

[Onthemove1971 in reply to OrangeRhymer]

Let us know how it goes..