Does anybody else who is on Ritalin experience a very definate loss of appitite when u take ur meds. When i forget 2 take them i find i eat and eat and eat. When i am on the i only seem 2 eat about 1/2 meals a day. And only afetr it has worn off. I have huge headaches non stop all the time and when i tried 2 tell the doctor about the eating he said it doesnt matter as i am not in the 'danger area'. He completely iognores the fact i have a problem with eating which i believe is due 2 Ritalin. Is this just me or what??

I have noticed that the Ritalin LA that I am on has decreases my appitite. For me it's been good thing. I take it twice a day and each does last between 6 and 8 hours so I haven't really been able to notice by appitite increasing when not taking it.

Be peristant with your Doctor. Keep telling him about your headaches and problems with eating. Remember that you know your body best and that have to be your own advocate.

Does the Dr know about your headaches? If so what did he say?

Loss of appetite is a known side effect of Ritalin. My Psych told me that they even prescribed it as a diet pill back in the 60's and 70's. This side effect usually goes away after awhile though, which is why it is ineffective as a diet pill. How long have you been taking it? If you've been on it for awhile and are still having this problem then I'd guess that it will continue and you might want to try a different drug (that is, if it bothers you). But if not, I’d suggest waiting it out.

I have noticed the same thing when I take Ritalin, but in my opinion it is a good side benefit, because it prevents me from eating too much.
:p

Diane

You may be taking too much or not tapering in the evening enough.

you may be dehydrated. Headaches are frequently from being subtlly dehydrated. Drink WATER not things with cafine or sugar in them, both of which draw fuilds out of your system rather than puting them in.

depending on how much you take, ask your doctor if you can try a very small amount when it is wearing off and your headache shows up, 5 mg or 2.5 mgs. But do this with LOTS of water and only AFTER you get the ok totry it FROM YOUR DOCTOR.

If you have an eating disorder, or are underweight, find another doctor to help you with those parts. trying eating your first meal before your first dose, and ty to eat your second meal before your second dose. many people end up eating too much, but if you are not one of them, make sure A doctor pays attention even if it is not this one.

Im on 60mg Slow Release Ritalin in the morning and when i have told the doctor nothing comes from it. I have been taking Ritalin 4 about 6 years and Slow Release 4 about 2 years. Still same effect. When i take the medictaion about 20 minutes later i will start losing appatite. If im eating at the time i will slowly without knowing it stop eating and give up after a while. I have been known 2 start eating and not be able 2 finish the meal 4 about 6-8 hours. No joy getting 2 see my phciatrist. I see a pychologist but they dont prescibe mediaction. My doctors r all NHS as i am broke and the NHS is free!! I have no way of speeding up the system. 6 month waiting list 2 see the pysciatrist in Hereford. Thus my dilema. Cant tail it off or reduce medication as it then doesnt work. I cant stop taking it as David (Wheel1975) can atest 2 i am very, very off track and have about a 30 second concentration span. I ramble and am unable (in that state) 2 continue futher with my work.

Hi,
I started Ritalin SR 20mg b.i.d. on Tues and as of this (Sat) am, I had already lost 4lbs. I find myself having to force myself to eat now. I'm concerned about it but not freaked out either. I plan on watching it closely tho.

I wish you much luck and hope things go well for you.

Thanks. so do i!! I have worse problems now!! thats the way it goes though!!