I can't stick to my diet on ADHD meds, any tips?
For some context, Ive struggled with binge eating and weight loss for a long time. I lost 11kg in a calorie deficit last year, but after taking a diet break around Christmas I gained it back, which really ruined my confidence.
Despire this, I started dieting again in March and things were going well. Because of college and work I stopped going to the gym and focused more on walking 10k+ instead but recently I got diagnosed with ADHD and started methylphenidate. On 10mg I felt nauseous but could still manage my calorie deficit. The problem was when the meds wore off later in the day, I’d become extremely hungry and get strong binge urges.
Last week I moved up to 20mg and the nausea became unbearable. I feel sick constantly and even food smells make me feel gross. During the day I struggle to eat enough, but later when the meds wear off I end up binge eating badly at night. I’ve struggled with binge eating for most of my life, and right now I feel completely out of control emotionally and with food.
At the moment I’ve stopped actively dieting because when I allow myself to be more flexible during the day, I binge less later on. The meds also make me exhausted, and sugar feels like the only thing giving me energy, which I usually cut on my calorie deficit.
I’m waiting to switch medications, but I honestly don’t know whether I should keep trying to lose weight right now or just focus on stabilising until I find meds that work. My parents keep saying I’m making excuses and that I’ve let myself go, which makes me feel even worse. Has anyone else experienced this on ADHD meds? I know most people say it helps but that's not the case for me.