My son goes off meds on the non school days with both the paediatrician's and the pharmacist's blessing. They say it does no harm. My son is getting better every year and is on a lower dose now than last year. Not all kids can do that, but it is ok if you discuss with your doctor.

I am really quesioning my decision to put my son on meds he did really well at first and the stared to make him rage change them up agian and now he just seems to be getting worse. evevry gain he has gotten is now lost. I just dont know if meds are the right way to go.

The problem is that there are so many different types that you have to try until you find the right one. We got lucky with the concerta right away, just needed to adjust the dose. It is a process. Good luck with whatever you decide. They aren't for everyone.

I also work with kids as a therapist in special education and regular education, also a parent of a child with ADHD/Mood Disorder.

I agree you should talk to the Dr. about changes but the reality is that it is hard to get a hold of some of these doctors, and if you look into switching the options are not good either.
Some kids can go off the meds when not in school, my son is not one of them. Parents do need to be realistic about this and know it's worse on the kid to not have the stability. Our daughter is on the borderline and currently is not taking medications - if she does I could see the Dr recommending that she would not need it out of school.

I have worked with kids who should not be pulled off of the medications and get bounced around - Mondays and the first day after a vacation are horrible, also the changes in sleep patterns etc. (these are horrible days for the staff and the child) - I agree.

I agree about not messing with meds when not necessary, but the effectiveness changes, and so do the side effects. Then it's time for an adjustment (with the doctor of course). We give my son his med everyday, but due to this he has built a tolerance up over the last couple of years. His dosage is getting high in my opinion, and I am worried about two or three years from now - what will we do then? If we keep him on the lower dose, it is not effective at all.

Also want to add, my son is 14 and a half and in 9th grade. He made the request to not take meds unless he goes to school. We asked Dr. and she said absolutely fine for him.

my son is under the care of a neurologist, endocrinologist , and the pediatrician. they all want him off the meds when he is not in school. they have to work on there learned behaviors, plus it minimizing side effects and they need to catch up on calories and nutrition they are not getting when they are on them, now grant it. when they are younger, you have a family, you may need to keep them on it because it is too dificult to deal with. thats up to the individual, you know your kid, i too work with special needs, he is a mess when he is not on his meds. my heart breaks for him. but thats at school . at home is completely differerent enviornment. they dont have to sit still. stay focused, learn math. etc. they can go outside and run run run.