Was just reading a thread about the parents taking their child off Adderall for the weekends and summer (this is not to bash), I'm curious though. When my son misses a dose (like if we run out and it takes a couple of days to get) he goes into withdrawal. We're talking really bad... laughing hysterically (to be mean), biting, kicking, spitting.

Does no one else experience this? From the comments of the other parents, it doesn't sound like it.

My 10 year old asked to drop her dosage for the summer with the rationale that she did not need as much focus outside of school. I allowed this and promptly lost my mind during the next few days. Unless she is properly (full-dose) medicated? Her impulsivity goes right through the roof and she is constantly in trouble.

After a few days of even reduced meds, she came to me with Concerta bottle in hand and asked "Momma, you think I ought to go back to my regular dose?". I told her that her lowered dose was obviously affecting her ability to control herself (impulsewise) and that I did not enjoy yelling at her and was willing to bet she hated being yelled at too. She replied "I am going to take my full-dose".

Perhaps it depends on the child but impulsivity in my child has been mighty dangerous in the past, and severely irritating during this recent med holiday. I am hoping the subject never comes up again with her, in all honesty, at least not until she is MUCH older and has learned a whole lot of new coping mechanisms.

I teach at school. No kid ever complains about withdrawal. If they want to get off they do.

Hhmmm. That's interesting. Wonder what caused the episodes then.

My son has only been diagnosed and on meds since October, but I don't think I will take him off his meds this summer. It doesn't make sense to me becasue he needs the meds whether he is in school or at home. reading Crazy Feet's response leads me to think I am making the right call, but I guess it makes sense to do what is right for our individual children. Happy summer!

Yeah, John stays on meds year round. I couldn't handle him w/out them, can barely handle him w/ them. lol.

Contrary to what is usually done, some leading experts actually suggest that if you're going to take your child off medication to see if your child still needs them (sometimes that just isn't a question at all of course!), it is best to do it in October after school has settled into a pattern.

Scattered