Has anyone taken their child off of meds for the summer? If so, do you slowly take them off or go cold turkey? I do have a doctor's appointment next week for my son, but I am just wondering if there is anyone else who has done this with their child.

Many thanks,
Vanessa:frog:

I recognize that alot of parents do this, but...may I ask what you hope to accomplish by taking your child off meds for the summer?

{Rant ON}

IMHO its like taking a kid's glasses away, just because they wont be doing homework during summer break. Kids still need to see, just like kids still need their brain chemistry balanced to function well. ADD/ADHD is so much more than school performance. It affects social skills, disinhibition, risk taking behavior and more.

{Rant OFF}

I'm sure other parents on this forum will respond with their own opinions.

His Doctor told me to "try" a "vacation", he has been out of school for a week, so we have tried it for a week, and he is completely miserable.Starting back in the morning.

There are pro's and con's to med holidays. Personally I favor keeping a child on meds(provided there aren't any complications to the contrary). For hyperactive kids, meds are important during the summer months to help decrease high risk behaviors and the possiblity of injuries.

I was in college when I took meds. I took myself off of them over the Christmas holiday. It wasn't the best idea for me. I didn't care about the holiday (witch is not like me) and I was irratable. My parents wanted to know what was wrong with me I didn't even want to be around anyone. So the day before Christmass I decided to take it. Again my parents were like whats wrong with you? Now your talking 90 to nothing and are happy about the holiday again. After I told them that it had to do with my meds they said never go that long again without them! LOL

I did stop for a few months after I got out of college. I was ok as far as i wasn't that irraitable and my mood was fine but over time I noticed my motivation to do things was going away so I put myself back on it again. Maybe knowing what I went through will help you decide?

We gave our son the option for the summer. He's nine. He said no meds at first, but after two weeks, asked if he could take it. For what it's worth.

It's worth a lot.:)

Thanks everyone for your input. We decided just to take him off the Adderall and leave him on the Strattera. So far so good and he is eating a little better which was the main concern from the start.

I appreciate all the comments!

Vanessa

When I was in the 6th grade I was taken off meds cold turkey. It was miserable. I missed 1/3 of the school year to migraines and only passed because school was easy to me. At the time I never connected the headaches and meds, but after I returned to meds and missed a dose I got a painful reminder from the past.

For what its worth,
PershingD