Dancergrl28
07-06-2005, 03:34 PM
For some reason I am having problems with my Ritalin hurting my stomach pretty bad. I was diagnosed with adult add about 9 months ago when I decided to retun to school to finish up my degree. At first, the ritalin and concerta made a tremendous difference. I saw a change in almost every area of my life that adhd affected. But, for some reason, in the last 3 months, about 15 minutes after I take my meds my stomach starts hurting pretty bad. It feels like a cross between gas pain and butterflies in my stomach (that nervous feeling). After about 3-4 hours it starts feeling better and that just happens to coincide with my meds wearing off. If I take an afternoon does 6 times out of 10 the stomach starts hurting all over again. Now why would the morning dose always hurt but not always the afternoon does? Logic would tell me to stop taking the meds if it hurts my stomach but It's almost impossible for me to sit still and pay attention in my 3 hour long class unless I take the meds. It's like Im trading one problem for another. The doctor suggested I make sure I eat when I take my meds but that doesn't make a difference-Ive tried it both ways. ugggghhhh. Anyone experience this and have recommendations to help my stomach? Does pepto work? acid reducers? milk of magnesia? dairy?
Ps: I told my doctor all this and she switched my extended release concerta to Ritalin LA-started that a week ago and it still hurts:( no change..
Ps: I told my doctor all this and she switched my extended release concerta to Ritalin LA-started that a week ago and it still hurts:( no change..
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carissaadder
07-06-2005, 04:10 PM
hi-
it's odd- i have the same thing, but only at night, and only if i add dairy or wine...i think that it creates a senstive stomach for me and things affect me in a greater way. I don't know what to suggest- i just take pepto when it happens, but it can't be healthy!
if you can do it, when you get it, you shoudl lie flat and massage your stomach...or if you are in class, at least try to sit up straight and take deep breaths----i assume eating crackers might help more than other htings (again, maybe what you are eating is the equivalent to wine or dairy for me)- good luck- carissa
it's odd- i have the same thing, but only at night, and only if i add dairy or wine...i think that it creates a senstive stomach for me and things affect me in a greater way. I don't know what to suggest- i just take pepto when it happens, but it can't be healthy!
if you can do it, when you get it, you shoudl lie flat and massage your stomach...or if you are in class, at least try to sit up straight and take deep breaths----i assume eating crackers might help more than other htings (again, maybe what you are eating is the equivalent to wine or dairy for me)- good luck- carissa
jmdombr
07-06-2005, 05:24 PM
Yes, Amphetamines are notorious for causing GERD like symptoms. They can cause irritation of the esophogus lining and stomach lining. These symptoms wont happen at first but for some they will appear a few months after taking the meds everyday. They cause the stomach to produce excess acid. I would first start by taking your meds with TUMS, if that doesnt work move to Zantac or Ranatidine or Cimitdine. If that doesnt work buy Prilosec OTC, its proton pump inhibitor that takes 10 days to start working but may cure your problem. You lining needs a break to heal and if quitting meds temporarily is not possible then try these OTC remedies. It probably wont help the first day, but continue a week or so and see if it gradually gets better.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Dancergrl28
07-07-2005, 04:45 PM
Thanks so much Jmdombr! You've saved my stomach:) Actually, in the past few days i've tried tums and gas-x with no relief. I went and picked up some cimitidine and it worked!!! It helps now just knowing what is causing the stomach pain so I know how to treat the symptoms. I can't tell you how long i've stood in the aisle at the drugstore trying to narrow down my symptoms to one product. I also tried dramamine (motion sickness) pills the other day and they seem to help a little but It put me to sleep. Anyway, thanks again for all your help!