[Judilyn]

I was curious how many of you still give your child meds for ADHD on school breaks. I always thought that this medication was only for school but recently I read an article that said it was a myth that a child's body needs a break from the medication.

My daughter only takes her medicine for school but there are times when I give it to her on the weekends if we are doing anything that requires her to sit for long periods of time.

My question is, do you medicate your child on weekends and school breaks why or why not?

Thanks for the input

Judilyn-

[dr. mom]

I used to only give my son meds on school days but now give them to him 365 days a year. My dr. said research has shown that teenagers with ADHD who take their medicine everyday get into less trouble with the law , are able to hold down jobs, etc. He said that since focusing in school is only one of the features of ADHD. Others are impulsivity,etc.
My daughter is younger and I still only give her meds on school days (even though the script reads to give them everyday). However my daughter's ADHD is much different than my sons. She has major attention problems but is not hyperactive AT ALL.
I think it is a personalchoice you need to make based on your child's symptoms, your famly dynamics, and your chid's behaviors!

[Peggy]

My daughter's doctor suggested she go off her meds on weekends and the summer. I did not attempt this fully for the first two summers she was with me. This summer she is not on her medication. Why; I think the doctor wants to try and wean her off, she was not gaining enough weight. It for me was not an easy transition. She seems to be doing well now. When she goes back to school, the doctor wants to hold off on the medicine initially, and wrote the prescription for half the amount, for when she starts back up. I think she will need it for school.

[sues250]

My 10 year old daughter we tried to take her off medications for summer and it was really hard on her socially. She is involved in summer daycamp programs and she reacted so impulsively when off the medications. For her she needs it year round.