While ADHD medications curb restlessness, impulsivity, and inattention, the drugs also
prompt common side effects, such as low appetite, stomach pain, or sleep problems.
Suggestions for decreased appetite from medicinal side-effects: If your appetite wanes
after taking ADHD medicine, dose after breakfast so that you’ll eat better, easier, and
larger in the morning. Have a sizeable dinner in the evening, when the drug is beginning
to wear off. You should have a well-stocked pantry with plenty of healthy foods and
especially healthy snacks. By enjoying healthy snacks with a balanced diet consisting of
nutritious, higher-calorie foods and drinks, this will help offset any weight loss from the
ADHD drug.
Stomach pain or upset? Don’t take medicine on an empty stomach. For any digestion
discomfort, taking the medication with or immediately after food will make a very big
difference. This is also sound advice for taking vitamin supplements; besides being easier
to digest, your body absorbs more, quickly and easily, when doing so with food.
Sleep problems? Set up a regular bedtime routine that includes relaxing activities, such as
bathing or reading. If a stimulant type of ADHD medication prevents you from sleeping
well; ask your doctor about taking the drug earlier in the day or switching from a long-
acting to a shorter-acting form. Also inquire about reducing your dose or stopping the
drug in the afternoon to help you at bedtime.
Suffering from daytime drowsiness? If the ADHD drug atomoxetine (Strattera) is making
you sleepy during the day, try taking the drug at bedtime instead of in the morning. You
can also check with your doctor about lowering the dose or dividing the dose and taking
it twice a day.
Rebounding effects: When ADHD drugs wear off in the afternoon or evening, there
maybe some more ADHD symptoms or irritability. To prevent this “rebounding,” ask
your doctor about using a longer-lasting medication. Or you might take a stimulant late in
the day in a small dose. (Check it out with your doctor first.)