Prashant Shah Prashant Shah Asked 6 months ago

Does ritalin cause weight gain?

My son has been prescribed Ritalin, and we're just starting the treatment. As parents, we're careful about potential side effects. I wanted to ask if Ritalin commonly causes weight gain in children, as he's already a little on the heavier side.

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12 answers

Sarla Vyas Sarla Vyas Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago
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Actually, this medicine usually does the opposite and reduces appetite, but everyone's body reacts differently. Try having a glass of warm milk with badam before bed if you feel weak. For any drastic changes in weight or health, please consult your doctor immediately.

Nisha Mehta Nisha Mehta Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

It is quite rare to gain weight on it; most people lose their appetite. If you are gaining, check if you are stress-eating high-carb vegetarian foods like potatoes or fried snacks when the medicine wears off. Focus on taking fiber-rich foods instead.

Gaurav Sen Gaurav Sen Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Man, I am awake at 3 AM reading this because my sleep schedule is completely wrecked. Honestly, I forget to eat when I take it, so no weight gain for me. If you are actually gaining weight, please share your secret because I just look like a zombie now!

Satish Kamble Satish Kamble Joined Feb 2026 6 months ago

At my age, even drinking water feels like it adds two kilos! But seriously, this particular medicine is famous for making you lose appetite, not gain. If you are gaining, maybe like me, you are just enjoying too many sweets on the side!

Harish Johar Harish Johar Joined May 2026 6 months ago

Usually, Ritalin is known to suppress appetite, which leads to weight loss. However, some people experience 'rebound hunger' late in the evening when the effect fades, leading to overeating. Track your eating patterns; it might help you find the answer.

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Preeti Nair Preeti Nair Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

I can only speak from my own experience of taking it for my ADHD. I actually lost about 3 kgs in the first month because I just forgot to have lunch. I haven't heard of many people gaining weight on it, but please ask your doctor.

Abhishek Roy Abhishek Roy Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Please don't go by what random people online are telling you about side effects. Everyone's biochemistry is totally different. If you suspect your medication is altering your weight, set up an appointment with your doctor and get professional advice.

Suresh Hegde Suresh Hegde Joined Jan 2026 6 months ago

With stimulant medicines, you have to be very careful about your heart rate and blood pressure, not just weight. I always monitor my vitals weekly. Make sure you are doing regular checkups with your specialist to ensure everything is fine.

Pournima Patil Pournima Patil Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Haan na, weight gain with this is very unusual actually. Most people lose weight because khane ka mann hi nahi hota. If you are experiencing weight gain, check with your doctor once, maybe there is some other reason.

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Sneha Paul Sneha Paul Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago

I am actually quite new to this and might start this medicine soon. I was also very worried about weight changes. Does anyone know if the appetite loss goes away after a few weeks, or does it stay like that?

Rohan Bhatia Rohan Bhatia Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Haha, I wish it caused weight gain, my gym trainer would be so happy! Normally it makes your food cravings go poof. If you're putting on weight, maybe check if those late-night Swiggy orders are the real culprits here.

Ramlal Yadav Ramlal Yadav Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Beta, these modern medicines can do strange things to our health. Usually, it reduces hunger, so weight gain is rare. Make sure you eat your meals on time even if you do not feel hungry, and stay in touch with your doctor.

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