The prescription drug methylphenidate is available under several brand names, including Concerta, Ritalin and Methylin. Doctors prescribe these medications to control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and for treating the sleep disorder narcolepsy. Methylin is available in regular and chewable tablets, in liquid solution and in extended-release forms. Weight loss is a common side effect of Methylin.
Function
Methylin is a mild central nervous system stimulant. The reason it works for ADHD is unclear. It may increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain and activate the brain stem arousal system and cortex, but no conclusive evidence explains its mental and behavioral effects. As with some other central nervous system stimulants, certain side effects are likely.
Common Side Effects
Nervousness and insomnia are the most common side effects connected with Methylin. You should be able to counteract these effects by reducing the dosage, by not taking the medicine in the evening or by only taking it in the morning. Weight loss is another common side effect. If your child is taking Methylin, have your health care provider keep track of his weight while he takes this drug. His height also should be checked often, because Methylin is associated with reduced growth in children.
Factors in Weight Loss
Loss of appetite associated with central nervous system stimulants such as Methylin is common and may be the primary factor in weight loss caused by this drug. Other side effects of Methylin that could lead to weight loss include heartburn, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Considerations
You may find weight loss to be a desirable side effect of Methylin, but if you are losing too much weight, talk to your doctor about reducing the dosage or switching to a different medication. If your child is taking Methylin, keep in mind that weight loss can be a problem for children, because their bodies are supposed to be growing.
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