Hi!
Our new pediatric psychiatrist wants us to take our son (12) off of his vyvanse on the weekends. I’m not opposed to it, but is anyone else taking med breaks too? He says he doesn’t like out of control his ADD is when he is off his meds. I’ll have him talk to his dr. At his next session, but looking to see how other families are handling this.
Thanks!
My fourteen year old took weekends off of Vyvanse so that he could catch up on eating. It really killed his appetite during the week. Focus is his main problem, so during the weekend it’s not that big a deal. Why does his doctor recommend it (if that’s not too nosy)?
Dr says that as kids get older, you have to keep adjusting the meds and you get to a point where you can't give them stronger meds. By giving a med break, you slow down that progression. My son doesn't have the appetite loss... but he also doesn't have focus either! I'm not for/against it at all, just want to support the kiddo....and what he wants. I'm just happy to have this group to discuss this with... in just a week, you all have been such a light in a dark room for me!
I def take my 13 year old off his Vyvanse on weekends, holidays, summers, and even half days sometimes. It’s tough on weekends because of homework but I deal with that - small doses and lots of breaks. He is happier and much hungrier (and active) when he doesn’t take it so I look forward to stopping the Vyvanse when we can. My pediatrician actually objected to the breaks because she thinks it’s not to be seen as a med that’s only taken when needed. She thinks that since ADHD affects all areas of his life he should take it daily. I think it’s best for him to get breaks whenever he can, especially since he doesn’t really like how he feels when on Vyvanse. But it really helps him focus while at school so he sees that it’s necessary. When he’s 17 and driving, and has much more HW on weekends I will have him take it on weekends. But for now breaks from it are a very good thing.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your answers! SO SO helpful!
My son (8) is taking Ritalin but only on school days. His doctor said to take him off meds on weekends and school holidays so he can catch up with eating.
Hello I believe medication breaks are necessary. When I failed to give my son a medication break we ended up in the ER because he was having hallucinations if you read the information on all ADHD medications one of the side effects is hallucinations. I use the weekends to give him water, relaxation and sometimes we do nature walks and I try to institute behavioral therapy techniques. I am not an advocate of ADHD medications and I don't want my son to become dependent on them. I want him to instead learn how to manage his behavior and not let medication do it for him and have to live with the side effects that come along with it.
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