Methylphenidate and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• May 1, 2021

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I am a 35-year-old female. I suspected I had ADHD, generalized anxiety, and depression for many years based on severe mental illness in my family, but have only recently been diagnosed. After the effects of Covid and a family crisis while trying to finish a Master's degree, I was overwhelmed and unable to do anything. I began Concerta, and it gave me hope. Drugs are not a magic pill. If you think only taking Concerta will fix you, that is the wrong attitude. You have to make other efforts like counseling or changing your environment. Concerta changed my life, but it was coupled with a lot of effort to create the right conditions for me. I began waking up early to work in the morning so I would not be distracted by anyone or anything. I made sure to eat my three meals a day, even if the drugs suppressed my appetite. I highly recommend it. It's really worth a try. I'm on the 54 mg."

• CJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2021

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "Concerta is WONDERFUL. I’m 24, and I’ve struggled all my life with mental illness. 4 months ago, I was diagnosed with ADHD and Bipolar II Disorder. My psychiatrist said I had to get the mood balanced from the Bipolar before we could treat the ADHD. Once my mood was stabilized, I started to try some stimulant medications. I tried Adderall 5mg and 10mg. It was an absolutely awful experience. I had two friends recommend Concerta to me, so I requested it from my provider. I was prescribed 18mg, and after ONE day, let me tell you, I was feeling like the best self that I knew was there all along-calm, attentive, and enjoying every passing moment with bliss. It keeps on getting better, and I hope it continues to. I'm going to up my dose next month. If you are struggling with ADHD, try this. I feel so amazing I could cry (in a good way), no hassle with multiple doses. I was on the brink of giving up, but I gave this a go. Please, please try it. The only side effect is less appetite, BUT WHO CARES AT THIS POINT."

• Nur...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 30, 2013

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I am a pediatric nurse and a mother of a child with ADHD. The nurse in me hated the thought of medicating my son with anything, yet the mom in me knew something needed to be done. My son went on Concerta at age 6. He takes 36 mg, and today is 12 and still on the same dosage. It has helped him in so many ways... grades, focusing, decreased aggressive behavior, and friendships, just to name a few. Though I was resistant, this was the best choice for my child. It's been 6 years, and he is great. It does decrease his appetite during the daytime, but he does catch up in the evening with calories. I highly recommend a daily Carnation shake with whole milk or a multivitamin if your pediatrician agrees, to prevent missing any nutrients. Good luck to you all."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 5, 2013

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "My son was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 6. I was extremely against trying medications, but after an extremely difficult kindergarten and start of first grade, I decided that it was worth looking into. My son was miserable, and it broke my heart to see him coming home every day in tears. We tried a variety of behavioral interventions, but nothing worked and my son was not happy. We decided, based on a friend's advice (her daughter had success with Concerta), to give it a shot. OMG! It was like night and day! Slight decrease in appetite initially, but other than that, it's been a godsend. Wishing all you parents the same success we had!!!"

• Anonymous
• September 9, 2009

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "My son is 10 years old. I suspected he had ADD when he was 6, and the teacher kept telling me he was spacing out in school, but he is also so smart. I decided maybe the work was just too easy, and he was bored. In 4th grade, I couldn't take the complaints (almost daily) and had him tested. He was diagnosed with ADD and given Concerta. I can only tell you that his math teacher sent me home a note on the day he started medication to ask where I got my new son from, she could not believe it. She said he even went in during his lunch break to catch up on some work. He lost his appetite for the first week or so, but regained it and hasn't had trouble sleeping at all. He is happier, his teachers are happier, and I am HAPPIER! Thank you, CONCERTA."

• Oak...
• September 8, 2015

Daytrana (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I'm actually an adult on the patch. I am 28, female. I've been trying to find the right stimulant with bearable side effects since I was in high school. Please excuse the lengthy review, I just know the search can be tough and long. I have depression, ADD, GA & SA, and OCD skin (cuticle) picking tendencies. It's been very hard finding a stimulant that didn't worsen my anxiety-related symptoms. I could tolerate 5mg Adderall XR, but my body burned through both the XR and IR in about 3 hours. Then I would crash for the rest of the day (depressed, irritable, anxious). Vyvanse gave me zero motivation and made me calm but in a weird way. For example, I didn't care or worry about anything... I didn't even want to talk to people. I would just want to sit there alone and stare at a wall or something. It was nice to be that relaxed but too weird. But the real problem was the crash! It was the most extreme of all the stimulants I've tried by far! I took it only twice and threw it out. I almost didn't try Daytrana patch because Ritalin was actually the first stimulant I tried, which was over 10 years ago, and I remember similar symptoms to that I had on Adderall. I ended up giving it a try with the logic that it might be smoother since it was for children, and I was also desperate since I'm working and studying for the GRE. I'm so happy I gave Daytrana a shot!! I'm telling you if you suffer from anxiety, can't tolerate the crashes, and metabolize the other stimulants too fast, you have got to try this one!! I've only been on it for a week, but I can't believe it! I leave it in for the whole 9 hours, and I never crash. In comparison to Adderall, it is still the best stimulant for getting you motivated. I have to motivate myself a little, but unlike Adderall, I can stay focused ALL day with Daytrana. I'm also less likely to do something 'stimulanty' like start reorganizing my closet for no reason, but I do get the necessary cleaning, errands, bills, etc., done effortlessly. And the best part is that it doubles as an antidepressant since, what I assume is the increased dopamine, stays in my system pretty much all day and night. The 'happiness' doesn't feel like a high, it feels more like an absence of depression. I don't have any more of the repetitive negative thoughts. The constant emotions of hopelessness, guilt, embarrassment, you name it, just aren't there anymore. There is still a mild degree of sadness I carry with me, but I have major depression so I feel like it's only normal and I can handle that! As far as the negative side effects: Like all the stimulants I've been on, I still have insomnia, loss of appetite, and increased urge to pick at my cuticles at night when it's wearing off. But there is not a 'crash,' no evenings being completely drained of energy, fits of irritation, major anxiety, or depression. Also, the patch is applied to your hip and I'm experiencing some muscle tension in my legs, which I think might be slowly subsiding. I'm drinking a lot of water and taking vitamins in precaution of cramps. Advice on taking the patch off: It's easier for me to take it off when it's wet. I do it in the shower/bath or rub it off with a warm washcloth. Good luck!"

• Bee...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 26, 2016

For Depression "Doing fine after taking Ritalin since 1992. I no longer do soft drugs nor drink alcohol, and quit smoking all since 2003. Helps me focus better and helps me have a positive frame of mind. Before taking Ritalin, I couldn't focus long enough to get past the first page of a novel. Now, I read novels consistently. When I started taking it in '92, I lost my appetite and couldn't sleep much, but I eventually adjusted to it. I have tried Dexedrine, Concerta, fish oil, herbs, magnesium, etc., but nothing comes close to it. I invented a board game as well."

• ADH...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 13, 2013

Metadate CD (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I'm 31 and diagnosed with ADHD for 23 years. When my parents started me on Ritalin in 3rd grade, their only regret was letting me struggle for so long. I was always being sent home from school for playing in the mud, walking out of class, etc. I was talkative and happy, but my grades were well below satisfactory. I had very few teachers encourage me, rather, I was written off as a disruption. My first year on medication was hard, I had no appetite and trouble sleeping. After about 6 months, all the side effects went away. I could eat and sleep with no problem. I have been on Adderall now for 17 years. I graduated college, have an amazing job - not sure where I would be if nobody saw the signs and helped."

• Van...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 23, 2014

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "My son started on Concerta about a year ago. It has transformed his life. I don't like giving medicine, but I have tried absolutely everything else - swimming, brain gymnastics, etc. Nothing really helped. He is naturally bright but just couldn't concentrate - particularly when it came to classroom work and focusing on a project involving writing. The transformation has been incredible. He had an excellent school report in every area. His teachers are thrilled, he is confident and happy, and enjoys school. He doesn't take Concerta in the holidays or at weekends and manages fine going back on it on a Monday morning. Only one side effect which is a lack of appetite. We ensure he goes to school with a good breakfast, and then he has a huge meal when he gets home."

• Mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 18, 2025

Jornay PM (methylphenidate) for ADHD "After trying multiple ADHD medications—Vyvanse, Concerta, Adderall—my daughter struggled with mood swings or lost her personality entirely. JORNAY PM changed everything. Taken at night, it kicks in by morning, making school prep smoother and focus easier—without dulling her vibrant personality. Appetite suppression is minimal, and its extended-release formula prevents the dreaded afternoon crash. If you’re struggling to find the right ADHD medication, JORNAY PM is worth trying. It’s been life-changing for my daughter!"

• Max...
• September 28, 2011

Ritalin (methylphenidate) for Depression "I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder from the Iraq War, which also goes along with adult ADHD and depression. They say it has a lot to do with my mind, having so many thoughts of what happened and what is happening racing through it that I guess it basically just gets worn out like exercising. But once they started me on Ritalin 20 mg three times a day, it helped a lot. I felt more focused, less worried, and in time, just felt more rested and calm. I did have to force myself to eat at first as I lost my appetite until I got used to it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2019

Ritalin (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I'm a mid-fifties male that recently started taking Ritalin. I've been on it for about 3 months now and really like the changes. The ability to stay on task is amazing. I take the immediate release 2x per day (10mg/pill). It takes about 30 minutes for the effects to kick in, but it is subtle. Each dosage lasts about 4 hours. I take the first pill around 8:00 am and the second at 1:00 pm. I take it Monday - Friday, and sometimes on weekends, if I have a project I'd really like to get completed. At this point, I haven't experienced any noticeable side effects. Yes, it does kill your appetite during the 4-hour cycle, but it does return quickly thereafter. For anyone looking for the best vitamin/supplement for improved productivity due to ADHD, just go to your doctor and take something that's proven effective and regulated by the FDA."

• Ann...
• March 22, 2018

Ritalin (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I was diagnosed with severe ADHD - inattentive type, and Ritalin literally is the difference in me getting through my To-Do list or just wondering what in the world I have been doing all day. Over the years, I have run across multiple medical professionals who will not prescribe this medication. Like an idiot, I listened to them and tried other medications. ALL of these medications had worse side effects and did NOTHING to correct my ADHD. They tried all of the non-stimulant medications and Bupropion HCL - none worked and several had VERY bad side effects. Medical professionals who refuse to listen to their patients should lose their license to practice. You are messing with people's lives here, people! The worst side effects I had with Ritalin were appetite suppression and mild anxiety, specifically if I drank too much coffee with the medication. This is over a period of 15 years on the medication."

• ajj...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 22, 2014

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I started Concerta when I was in 7th grade. I am now 14, and I started off with 36mg. Now I am on 54mg. At first, I had a big boost in my grades! I started getting A's! This year, I have been noticing in school that I have been more anxious, depressed, not hungry during the day, and a little bit socially awkward. I am trying to deal with my side effects. I am going to the doctor soon about Concerta. You are not alone."

• Anonymous
• October 8, 2014

Metadate CD (methylphenidate) for ADHD "My 9-year-old son has been on Metadate 20mg for over a year now. Only side effect is a loss of appetite, so I make him eat a big breakfast. He only takes it on weekdays for school, it has really helped him focus. My son's grades improved from 60s to 90s. I like Metadate because by the time he's out of school, the medication has worn off and he's back to his normal active self. During the summer, I also give him a break from the med and we do not have to taper off in order for him to stop. We've tried other medications that had not-so-good side effects. Metadate so far is the best."

• Lin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 16, 2017

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I'm 21 and I've been taking 72mg (two 36mg capsules) a day since I was about 17. Concerta changed my life. I was failing school, and no matter how hard I tried, it didn't change anything. I became depressed, slept for 14+ hours a day, and gave up. Then I was prescribed Concerta, and it changed my life. It keeps me focused, motivated, and energized. However, the side effects are very real. I don't sleep much, which is why I usually don't take it on weekends to catch up on sleep. It reduces my appetite, so I eat a big breakfast before taking it in the mornings. It does elevate my anxiety, and not saying it's something I suggest.. but I smoke cigarettes to help that. Also, I don't know if this is common or not, but it keeps my digestive tract regular."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2015

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I've been taking Concerta for the past five months. When I first began taking it, I would get headaches and appetite problems, but those side effects disappeared after about three weeks on it. Concerta has not only improved the amount of work I'm able to accomplish, it's improved my self-esteem as well. I no longer feel as shy and cluttered as I did before I started taking Concerta. I like that it lasts throughout the entire workday, so I don't have to worry about redosing. Overall, Concerta has been a very positive experience for me."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2021

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I've been on Concerta for a few weeks now, I was just recently diagnosed with ADHD, and it's my first medication. I am a 15-year-old female. I started with 18 mg but didn't feel any difference. It only decreased my appetite (I lost about 5 lbs a week) to the point where I became underweight. My doctor recently upped my dose to 36 mg, and I feel worse than before. I've been having a hard time falling asleep and have slept very restlessly. I am still losing weight. I've also noticed that I feel more moody and impulsive, and I have been hyper-fixating more and lashing out at my family. I have a doctor's appointment next week where I hope to switch medications."

• dnb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2019

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I started taking Concerta about 6 months ago. The first month after being diagnosed with ADD, I was on Ritalin, then switched over to Concerta. I’m on the 72 mg of Concerta, and it really has changed my life. I failed two classes in college before I started medication, and now I am doing really well in school. It really helps me focus in general as well. I’ve lost 70 pounds since I started taking medicine for my ADD, so I’m currently 140. This medicine destroys my appetite until it wears off, so I usually only eat at night. It also has messed with my sleep, so I make sure to take it by 9 in the morning so that it will wear off by like 10 at night. Whenever the medicine wears off, I become super unproductive, but I’m not sure if that’s how I am without it or if it’s just worse when the medicine wears off. I really recommend Concerta, it really has helped me so much."

• mam...
• December 6, 2013

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "My daughter was finally diagnosed with ADHD Inattentive-type at age 16 after a lot of stress regarding high school academics and feeling 'dumb.' Concerta has been nothing short of a miracle for her. She finally ended up on the 54mg dosage and does very well. The only side effect she has had is loss of appetite which she now knows to eat a healthy/big breakfast before her medication in the morning. She then eats a normal dinner. She has occasionally had insomnia if she takes her medication later in the morning or if she has accidentally had caffeine. Overall, she is in a good groove with this medication and her SAT score went from 1600 to 2000 after medication and a prep course; GPA from 3.3 to 3.9."

• Pen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2019

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I started Concerta in August after Vyvanse gave me bad side effects. I began at 36 mg and now I take 54 mg. Being on this has helped me so much with classwork and anxiety, I no longer have anxiety spirals like before! I’m actually interested in my uni classes, and I’m getting better grades. The best part of Concerta is that it stops my obsessive anxiety. I can control my thoughts now, this is something I was never capable of in the past. It gives me a sense of mental relaxation that I’ve never had, and it’s life-changing. I feel on edge, kind of jumpy, and alert, but no uncontrollable anxiety like before. At first, I had some weird side effects, like tics, shakiness, lack of appetite, and peripheral hallucinations, but these side effects are so worth not having the terrible anxiety like I used to. Concerta helps me feel more sure of myself because I’m not spacing out on information or having anxiety attacks. I feel more confident and capable. It’s wonderful!"

• Abb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 5, 2014

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I was diagnosed with ADHD in 8th grade and put on 20mg of Concerta, which has since risen to 54mg extended release in the day and 10mg immediate release in the evening for when I do my homework. At first, the medicine was great - it allowed me to focus and my grades went up significantly. However, over the past year or so, I have been experiencing negative side effects such as depression, headaches, and loss of appetite. I can manage the headaches and appetite problems, but as for the depression, it is so bad that I am considering switching to another brand or changing my dose because when I am on Concerta, I become virtually emotionless, and as a result, I am struggling to maintain good relationships with my friends and family members."

• Jes...
• October 9, 2018

Daytrana (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I am 32 years old and have adult ADD. I also have addiction issues and have been sober for 5 years. I haven’t taken any meds since being sober but have been struggling. Last time I tried to take Vyvanse, and I ended up relapsing. The Daytrana patch has been amazing for me. I rated it an 8 just because no ADD meds are perfect and there are side effects. But in my experience, I've had a much better time with Daytrana than most other meds and seems to be less likely for someone to abuse. Mainly because it lasts all day, and there is no “crash” feeling like I've had with others which always triggers me to abuse them. I just wanted to share my experience because it’s really hard to have ADD and not be able to take meds, and addiction problems make this tricky. However, you should give it time once you start it because side effects will lessen once your body adjusts. I experienced extreme lack of appetite and anxiety, both went away after a month."

• Exp...
• October 1, 2013

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD in the 2nd grade, and her doctor and I discussed different medications and settled on Concerta. Grades were never a problem, but behavior and socialization were. She hated the medication and would spit it out or hide it. It gave her headaches, loss of appetite, and sleep loss. Eventually, she began taking it regularly and began to do well in school. The behavior problems ceased, as well as socialization. She took this medication for about 2 years, and then I decided to pull her off. Her teacher didn't even notice and thought she was still taking the medication because she was so well-adjusted and presented no serious issues. She never took meds again and learned to cope. She has ADHD but manages it other ways."

• 4Mo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 25, 2013

Daytrana (methylphenidate) for ADHD "My son, almost 6, started on Daytrana right around 5 years old. We went from half a 10mg patch to a whole 10mg patch. Really, it's whatever we need that day. It does work. Positives for us: concentration improved, attitude solid. Negatives: if we leave the patch on from 8-6, we are up until 2 or 3 am if we do not give melatonin to help sleep. Appetite severely decreases on medicine, days without medicine he's eating like a horse. Overall, the medicine has more positives than negatives, I just would like more understanding on how, as a parent, to be able to handle all this."