Do meds have to be taken daily? - ADD / ADHD Message Board

confuzeled · 05-24-2006, 09:41 PM

I'm curious if my son needs to take his meds daily or if he can have a break on the weekends. He's on ritalin LA 40 mg.

Is it a use as you need it med or more like an antidepressant where the full effect is seen in a few weeks?

With summer coming and being home I really am curious if I should keep him on it or not.

I've come to realize he truly needs it to function well in school. He' s been doing much better since we moved him to this dose. At home, it's not as much as an issue.

Thoughts?

rheanna · 05-24-2006, 10:00 PM

confuzeled,

I hope that addprogrammer will chime in here -- he's written about how he chooses to take the meds only for work. He takes "vacations" from meds on weekends. When I was taking Ritalin, I took only one per day to help me get my day organized, and rarely took another when that wore off in 4-5 hours. I didn't take it every day. If it were easeier to get here in Germany, I'd do the same thing -- I'd take it only on days where I HAD to be organized. If I were still a student I'd take it only on school days as well. Hopefully someone who knows more about the workings of these meds will chime in here.

--Rheanna

index.html · 05-25-2006, 04:09 AM

Ritalin and the other stimulants do not have to be taken on a daily basis. They do not build up in the blood. Straterra, like the antidepressants, requires daily dosing.

There are pros and cons to "holidays" from the stimulants. There is not a general consensus in the medical community. It would probably be best to discuss your son's particular situation with his doctor.

The argument *for* med holidays is the hope of delaying the development of tolerance. Patients also hope that holidays will help prevent addiction.

Now, arguments against. There has been some evidence the effectiveness of stimulants increases with consistent use. Also, it is argued that learning doesn't only take place in school; learning takes place every day.

The other factor to consider is social. You've said your son is manageable at home. How about friends? Will other kids play with him when he's unmedicated?

So you see, there is no clear answer. Again, I would discuss your situation with your son's doctor.

Good luck!

Maxibear · 05-25-2006, 06:40 AM

Absolutely, your son can take med vacations. I believe these meds should only be taken as needed. I've used Ritalin as needed for 10 years. It's very powerful, has really helped me, but has some really bad side effects that I would not want to deal with every day.

Maxibear · 05-25-2006, 06:42 AM

I also recommend that any parent who medicates their children with a stimulent like Ritalin or Adderall try the medication themselves to fully understand what the side effects are. I think it would give you a very helpful perspective on the drug.