Question about fasting on medication?

Question

For my ADHD, I take 54 milligrams of time-released Concerta, and 20-25 milligrams of concentrated Ritalin tablets in the evening. I want to fast.

I was planning to cut caffeine, dairy, pot, sugar, alcohol, nuts gradually the way I should the week before. I had it all planned out.

So just now I read this warning about how people with medication need to talk to doctors about fasting because it could interfere and...and...I had it all planned out...

but now it's not

When I actually considered it, I figured that maybe it could hurt my digestive tract more just to eat liquids and then have a bunch of amphetamines and all of that **** going through my liver. It completely defeats the purpose. I mean, I guess that's just what I assume would happen.

I can't find any info on Google about the effects of such hardcore stimulants on the digestive system while fasting, so I want to ask you. If you have any personal or medical experience with this medication/general fasting, I appreciate it

Answer 1

First.. How long (in days)or how many hours will you be fasting ? Alcohol should always be avoided with these medications. When you listed the items you wanted to remove while fasting, you included, pot, why would you take this anyway ? Most people fast for a certain amount of hours or fasting from sun-up till sun-down and then resume  to eating a healthy meal, as not to deprive the body of nutrients. Caffeine, is fine to avoid while fasting as it tends to nauseate people and make food cravings worse. I think if you set a fasting goal and set your hours or times and then resume eating,, eveything will be ok. There's nothing online or at www.webmd.com, that says you must take your medication  with food.So plan around it.

Answer 2

you need to eat, and if your not eating you need to not be on medicine. plain and simple.... crazy people!

Answer 3

you really need to consult with your doctor before you attempt fasting while on any medications

Answer 4

medicine's like that will curb your appetite. I know from personal experience that it won't stop you from feeling hunger or cravings. But it didn't affect me any massive way, unless I was crankier but thats a normal affect of like withdrawl.

Answer 5

I have fasted (with veggie broths and diluted juice) for as long as a week, and I've taken stimulants for ADD, but not together.  

I agree with you that fasting with the meds doesn't sound like a good plan.  

If you're going to fast for a week or less, how about cutting the meds back gradually the same as the rest?   After all, it's not  insulin, it's optional.  It's not uncommon for people to take a break from stimulants.  I always tried to plan some low stress  days for a fast, I just wasn't up for a hectic schedule without calories and caffeine to pump me up.  Would it be easier  for you to get by without the meds with a little advance planning?

I like Dr. Paavo Airola's take on fasting, btw, positive and healthy stuff.  Good luck.

Answer 6

The bad news is that as long as you are on the medications for your ADHD you can NEVER fast ... but if you cut out ALL alcohol, and cut down on pot, sugar, salt, etc. you may be able to 'cut down' on the amounts of medications you are taking (check with your doctor first, of course) which will help you to lose weight and get 'fit' or fitter than you are now.  You can't fast when taking any 'medication' ... even vitamin pills, but amphetamines can KILL you if you try to fast because they would become more powerful, not less ...