Switching from Cannabis to ADHD Medication: Battling Stomach Pain
Introduction: Normally, I would reach out to my primary care provider, but they are unavailable this week. Recently, I began taking Concerta under the direction of my doctor, who emphasized the necessity of discontinuing Cannabis use as part of my treatment plan. If I fail to comply, I risk losing access to medication that has significantly improved my life. Unfortunately, the combination of adjusting to these new medications while eliminating Cannabis is resulting in severe stomach pain, particularly after meals. I find myself feeling hungry, only to take a few bites before the discomfort strikes, leaving me unwilling to continue eating. This results in an even worse sensation later on due to not having consumed enough food, creating a cycle of fear around eating. The pain intensity varies—it's about a 4 out of 10 when I’m not eating, but escalates to a 9 out of 10 during or right after meals. I do not feel nauseous nor am I experiencing significant withdrawal symptoms; however, I'm apprehensive about my next appointment, worried that I might have lost around 10 pounds and that my doctor might decide to withdraw my medication. I've attempted various dietary approaches including solely fruit-based meals, vegetable dishes, and regular meals, even enjoying sandwiches. I also ensure to drink roughly 64 ounces of water daily, yet nothing seems to alleviate my discomfort. I remain hungry but dread the pain associated with eating more. Does anyone have suggestions or strategies to cope with this situation?
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 2:20:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing a challenging situation with your stomach pain while transitioning to Concerta and discontinuing cannabis. This discomfort can understandably lead to anxiety around eating. Here are some key points to consider and actionable steps to help manage your situation.
Main Points:
- Your stomach pain while eating could be linked to several factors, including stress from medication changes, dietary choices, or changes in gut function.
- It's crucial to find ways to address your discomfort while ensuring you're able to nourish your body.
Explanation:
Concerta, like other stimulant medications, can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal issues, including stomach pain, especially as your body adjusts. Additionally, the elimination of cannabis may also impact your gastrointestinal function since cannabis can have digestive effects. Considering the pain you're experiencing (escalating to a 9/10 during or after meals), it's important to address this promptly to prevent further weight loss and anxiety around eating.
Next Steps:
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Modify Eating Habits:
- Smaller Meals: Try eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than larger ones. This can help reduce the volume in your stomach and may ease discomfort.
- Gentle Foods: Focus on bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet). These are less likely to irritate your stomach.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Steer clear of spicy, fatty, or heavily processed foods that may exacerbate stomach pain.
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Hydration Strategies:
- Continue drinking water but try to sip it between meals rather than during. Drinking large amounts with meals can sometimes contribute to discomfort.
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Mindful Eating Practices:
- Eat Slowly: Take your time when eating to allow your body to process food more comfortably. This can also help you be more aware of your body's signals for fullness.
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Keep a Food Diary:
- Track what you eat and how it affects your stomach pain. This might help you identify specific triggers and patterns.
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Relaxation Techniques:
- Consider stress-reducing activities such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation. Reducing stress may help ease gastro-intestinal discomfort.
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Plan for Your Appointment:
- Document your experiences with the pain, dietary changes, and weight loss. Be prepared to discuss this with your doctor, as they may need to adjust your treatment plan or recommend further evaluation.
It's essential to listen to your body and adapt as needed. If the stomach pain persists or worsens, keep advocating for your health, and ensure to discuss any ongoing concerns with your healthcare provider as soon as you can. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there are ways to manage your discomfort effectively.
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