I know I should be asking my doctor, but even though getting an appointment with a neurologist is free, it takes months where I live.

My problem is that I sometimes have severe pain in the stomach and abdomen. I have had acute Pancreatitis in the past and I fear it might become chronic (pancreas digesting itself).

Is this just a coincidence or does Methylphenidate damage my pancreas further?

Additional info:

  • I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 6

  • This is the first time I am taking medication

  • Daily Dose is 30mg total (extended release 15mg and 15mg)

  • I am not on any other medication

31 points

BNF listing

It doesn’t specifically list pancreatitis (it does list GI discomfort).

Talk to your GP asap. You don’t need a neurologist in the first instance.

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12 points

Alright, will do. I’m a bit worried that my GP will just stop prescribing me a refill, but it’s better than losing my pancreas, I guess.

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15 points

They’ll only stop prescribing it if they (and you) think the risks outweigh the benefits. It might be something much less serious and you would be much better off knowing either way.

Finding the right meds can be a long old haul. Good luck.

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5 points

Thank you.

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1 point

They’ll only stop prescribing it if they (and you) think the risks outweigh the benefits. It might be something much less serious and you would be much better off knowing either way.

Yep. Also, it may be something totally different, like trapped wind/constipation, and have an easy fix.

Or you may do better on a different type of stimulant. Lots of options

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18 points

Stomach pain can be normal at the start, but severe pain needs to be raised with your doctor asap.

I found I had a slightly upset stomach when starting, but it cleared after a few days and then had no issues at all.

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9 points

I had practically zero side effects in the first week. Unfortunately the pain is so severe that I have to lay down, drenched in cold sweat.

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12 points
*

You should see your GP asap, and probably stop taking the medication until you’ve spoken to them or a medical professional.

If you’re in the UK then call 111 if it happens again, if you’re in another country then get an emergency appointment or even maybe A&E.

That level of pain is absolutely not normal.

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5 points

Thanks. The pain is completely gone after about 2 hours. I will stop taking it for now, since I have only been taking it for about two weeks I shouldn’t need to taper down. Finally had some hope and now this. Great.

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5 points

In that case, go to whichever doctor will see you first.

You can also call pharmacies to find out if your medication can have side effects like this.

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1 point

Might it be triggering your vagus nerve? Sometimes I have issues with that with BMs and I get the same cold sweat issues.

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17 points
*

Update: My GP put me on a strict diet (no cheese, eggs, saturated fats, fiber, …), basically anything that is hard to digest. Took my regular dose today. No pain yet (4 hours in). So fingers crossed. Also a big thank you to everyone for caring :)

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2 points

Good luck 🤞

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2 points

Thanks for the update! Hope everything goes well

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6 points

You should go see a doctor no matter whether the pain is related to the meds or not. The pancreatitis might have come back (even for other reasons than the meds) and it’s important to have it treated.

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5 points
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I started developing stomach issues after some time when starting to take Methylphenidat (diagnosed and started to take medication with 30, 30mg total). I then switched to Lisdexamphetamin which helps me the same way without sideeffects. Additionally I have less of a crash when the medication wears off.

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