Ritalin & Weight Loss

Ritalin (methylphenidate) is primarily prescribed for children and adults who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Since Ritalin is a stimulant, it acts much like caffeine. One common side effect of Ritalin is weight loss.

How Ritalin Works

It's not fully understood why Ritalin and other stimulant drugs work to treat ADHD, but they seem to improve and stabilize levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Patients often appear relaxed even though Ritalin is, by definition, a pick-me-up.

Ritalin and Amphetamines

Since Ritalin is a stimulant, its physiological positioning may mimic that found in amphetamines. Amphetamines are known to cause a decrease in appetite.

Lack of Appetite

Some people who take Ritalin report a decrease in their appetite. This side effect is often appealing to those who would like to shed a few excess pounds. But weight loss can cause problems for children.

Start the Day With a Healthy Breakfast

A nutritious breakfast is a good idea for anyone, but people who take Ritalin should be especially careful about not missing the first meal of the day.

Adding a healthy snack prior to dinner and later in the evening can also help offset any weight loss.

The Best Time to Take Ritalin

Ritalin should be taken after meals to lessen the chance that the medicine will interfere with appetite.

Stomach Pain

Another fairly common side effect of Ritalin is stomachache, which may contribute to a disinterest in food.

Ritalin as a Diet Aid

From time to time doctors have prescribed Ritalin as a weight-loss aid. For a lot of people, however, weight loss can be an unwanted side effect.

Using Ritalin as a diet pill creates the potential for abuse of the medication.