http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050920/FEAT07/50920036
6/1242

ADHD drugs may cause weight loss, tics

By Joe and Teresa Graedon
Special to The Clarion-Ledger

Q: My 10-year-old granddaughter has ADHD. She has been prescribed Concerta
and Ritalin and takes both pills every morning.

At a birthday party for her cousin recently, my wife and I noticed that our
granddaughter's pants looked three sizes too large. She was constantly
pulling them up.

I asked my daughter about this, and she said the medicines have affected the
girl's appetite and are also causing sleeping problems. She just nibbles and
picks at her food, so her mother gives her vitamins.

Is there any other treatment for this condition?

A: Concerta is a long-acting form of Ritalin. Both drugs contain the
ingredient methylphenidate. Combining them might increase the risk of side
effects.

Parents often report that their children have less appetite and may lose
weight while they are taking Ritalin. Youngsters may also complain of
stomachaches, insomnia, irritability and jitters. Some children develop tics
while on the drug.

Q: What advice can you offer for chronic constipation? I am 55 and in
excellent health, but the calcium supplements and Fosamax I take for bone
strength are causing severe constipation.

I had a colonoscopy last fall, and the doctor said that I could take milk of
magnesia as often as needed. I hate to rely on it all the time, though. I
usually need two or three doses to get relief.

I have read about bran muffins in your column. Could you please give me more
information? I would like to use natural interventions if possible.

A: A surprising number of medications can contribute to constipation.
Calcium, Fosamax, Detrol, Effexor, Lipitor and Zyprexa are just a few of the
medicines that can affect the digestive tract.

Too much milk of magnesia may overload your system with magnesium and lead
to diarrhea. Excess magnesium is dangerous for people with reduced kidney
function.

An easy constipation remedy is a mixture of 1 cup coarse bran, 1 cup
applesauce and 3/4 cup prune juice. Take 1 or 2 tablespoons a day with lots
of water.

Q: How can I discard old medicines safely? I don't want to flush them down
the toilet, as I have heard that this could contaminate the water supply.

A: Perhaps you could put all the pills in one container and take them to
your municipal dump as household toxic waste. That way they won't get into
the water supply.