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[IndulgentChocolate]

I have a 14-year-old son that’s been on Adderall since 2022. Recently we increased his medication as per his teacher and doctors. But now we’re experiencing orthostatic hypotension, which is basically low blood pressure. He has a loss of appetite that also contribute to his medication. I wanted to take him off the medication and try alternative solution. I don’t know what that alternative solution is but I do know this medication is making him sick, we tried for the longest to keep him off medication as he was diagnosed with ADHD 2015. My son doesn’t want to come off medication. He says that he does better on it. Since he’s been on it, there’s been an positive increase in his behavior but I don’t see a difference in school. I don’t know what to do or how to help him. I want to be educated so I can help my son with his ADHD as I don’t understand his diagnosis completely. I would appreciate any help or suggestions. Thank you.

[Mamamichl]

usually stimulant meds make high blood pressure, not low. However, I was recently diagnosed the same for other reasons, and a doc has me on a med to help that condition. I think it was due to my anxiety/depression meds. Mine has had me feint. I was taking stimulants but they weren’t doing right with me, so when I went non stimulant route, I made sure it was strayers (the only non stimulant that could raise blood pressure, when the others could lower it).

I do see a lot of the loss of appetite. For my stepkid this would be a good thing, so it depends on how much weight loss and if he could stand to lose a few. My partner loves that it has him binge eat less. However, there are meds that raise appetite. There are some people that start doing more liquid food intake like smoothies and ensure to make sure they don’t lose weight and vitamins to help with nutrition

[IndulgentChocolate in reply to Mamamichl]

Thank you. This is helpful. I think he’s low. Blood pressure was because of his loss of appetite. Any suggestions for premade tasty smoothies that are nutritional?

[Mamamichl in reply to IndulgentChocolate]

Ensure has good taste usually. Don’t go off brand. It is usually quite nutritional and plenty of protein, and I think other vitamins. The flavors are usually more like milkshakes. The off brand ones tend to taste bad for most people or feel grainy.

The premade smoothies I’ve had are frozen, and thaw for 15 mins, but I personally don’t like the after taste. It is beneficial that it’s a protein one. ADHD need extra protein. If you have a blender, just add juice, vanilla yogurt and frozen fruit for a quick smoothie. You can even add protein powder. That is what my family does.

[STEM_Dad]

Adderall can definitely affect appetite.Blood pressure can my affected by the medication directly, but the warning is usually about increasing blood pressure, not decreasing it.

I think that not eating enough can contribute to lower blood pressure. Another thing that people might forget is to drink enough fluids. Dehydration can potentially lower blood pressure. So, some people on stimulants have to make a habit of drinking water (and other healthy beverages).

How is the Adderall affecting his sleep? Is he able to get enough sleep? Lack of sleep can also cause blood pressure issues.

There also might be a difference in how you son responds to the instant release vs extended release. One might work better for him than the other.

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Is your son also taking guanfacine (Intuniv) or clonidine, along with the Adderall? Those medications can help treat ADHD, but they are classes as blood pressure controlling medication... lowering BP is their main function.