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Rule 5: Eat Right
Consider a child’s diet and medications.
Children who eat a typical ADHD Diet may not be getting all the benefits of medication. If your child is taking Adderall XR, Metadate CD, or Ritalin LA, for instance, a high-fat breakfast can compromise its effectiveness, delaying the drug’s absorption. Drinks rich in ascorbic acid/vitamin C or citric acid (orange, grapefruit, and other drinks supplemented with vitamin C) may interfere with the absorption of Ritalin. Citric acid breaks down the medication before it has a chance to be absorbed by the body.
Did You Know: Cold/sinus/hay fever medications that contain decongestants (antihistamines without decongestants are okay) may cause a child on medication to experience a mildly unpleasant “buzz.” Over-the-counter or prescription weight-control medications, steroids, and asthma medications containing albuterol or theophylline can have the same effect.
More ADHD Medication Advice
Top 10 Questions about Medications for ADHD Children...Answered!
ADHD Medication or Alternative Treatments?
Psychiatric Medications for Children with ADHD
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