ADHD Weekly - Time Off from Medication, But Not from ADHD

[KarenADHDWeekly]

Are you considering a medication holiday for your child this summer? If so, you need to plan ahead to make it a positive experience. Read up on what to do at bit.ly/CHADDMedsBreak

[BLC89]

If you are planning a medication holiday look into the many studies that show the medications are neuro-protective. They create the proper balance in brain chemistry. And with the proper balance your brain can learn new habits more easily including how to focus better. It is now recommended to not take breaks from meds. Would you stop wearing your glasses to give your eyes a break?

Many of the meds have been around for decades and are super safe, there isn't any science backing taking breaks. It's hard on everyone especially the ADHDer whose brain chemistry support has been taken away.

BLC89

full disclosure: I'm an ADHD coach and CCSP certified. I also have been married to ADHD for nearly 30 years and raised two kids with ADHD.

[spookyscaryskeletons in reply to BLC89]

What are your thoughts on medication that no longer works for the child? My son was on concerta for several years, and it really did the job. In 8th grade, it seemed to stop working completely, and we have been trying to find the right match ever since, with no luck. We have tried adderall and vyvance, as well as a non stimulant. He is very irritable in the afternoon on these meds. He already describes himself as an angry person, but these make him hulk rage. I was wondering if a time off from the medication may help him reset and we can try the concerta again. Any advice or help is greatly appreciated! Oh, he is 15 now.

[KarenADHDWeekly Partner in reply to spookyscaryskeletons]

Hi Spooky, you and your son need to discuss this with his doctor. If medication is causing or contributing to feelings of anger or rage it needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The doctor may recommend a break; if so all of your son's ADHD symptoms will come to the forefront and will need to be managed through behavioral interventions. It is possible a new evaluation will help you and his doctor uncover any possible co-occurring conditions or other medical needs that are contributing to his anger. Make the appointment to discuss this with the doctor as soon as possible, and make sure your son has the opportunity to describe how he is feeling and anything else going on in his life to his doctor. Best wishes.

[BLC89 in reply to spookyscaryskeletons]

Hello spookyscaryskeletons,I'm sorry you and your son are going thru that. One thing to keep in mind: puberty messes with all systems especially hormones which in turn can change how medications work, or not in this case. It may be that once he is thru puberty Concerta will be an ally again. In the mean time, if he is willing, high cadrio and strength training have been shown to be very effective at reducing ADHD symptoms and stabilizing mood. For best results 5+ times per week and the payoff can be huge. Even short session 15 to 20 minutes can help. Other options are Tai chi or yoga. Both have you focus the entire time, like a guided meditation, and that in turn helps your brain learn to focus better, stay in the now and have tools to help regulate mood.

Exercise has the added benefit of good health and maybe life long love of a sport or practice.

And lastly, diet can also impact mood considerably. If he has a high sugar or processed food diet adding fresh fruits and vegetables will have a positive impact. 95% of serotonin is in the gut so what you put in your system either feeds or reduces that.

Second lastly(🙂) staying hydrated is important. Low electrolytes impacts your mood immensely. And drinking tons of water is not the same as staying hydrated, you need to keep your sodium and potassium in balance.

I know it can be tough to keep trying new things or different combos but he and his emotional health are worth it. If you can engage his curiosity - he has a lot of it- and he'll think of something none of us would.

Hang in there,

BLC89

[KarenADHDWeekly Partner in reply to BLC89]

BLC89, these are all excellent points. The difficulties that medication addresses will still be there during a meds break, and that needs to be planned for. There are a few times when one is needed, to judge how much the medication is helping, whether it should be increased or decreased, and if there is a medical concern about a growth spurt. In all cases, parents should talk it over with their child's doctor before take a short break, because as say, it may not be needed.

[sophiesmother]

Everything I’ve read says that taking a medication break is absolutely not a good idea. I don’t recommend this unless it is absolutely medically necessary. Those are pretty much the exact words my daughter’s doctor told us