How long has your child been on meds? | ADHD Information

Hi, My 9 year old was diagnosed w/ADHD. We are going to meet with our ped. to discuss the possible use of meds. We have misgivings. I am just wondering for how many years on average children use meds? Do they ever go off them? Any personal stories detailing the effects of medicine would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Children with ADHD who have no co existing conditions if provided with the proper inteventions through the years may be able to come off medication as they learn through theraphy, medication and a good behavior modification plan how to compensate for their limitation. My son was taking Ritalin for 8 years but has been off medication for 3 years. He has started college and is going on a partial scholarship. There have been no long term side effects for my son as a result of being on medication. However, some children need it through adulthood. It really varies and its based on the individual as there are many variables. If you have mishaps about medication, I suggest that you do research. I recommend you purchase a book entitled......Driven to Distraction by Edward M Hallowell as it will give you better insight into ADHD and stimulant medications. There are many links on the web but many are misleading and give out inaccurate information because anyone can print anything on the web. I hope the information below is helpful to you and good luck

American Psychiatric Association

deanng - your advice was very good - very helpful! thanks

First off, I would make sure that your child actually does have ADHD. I am an avid supporter of ADHD, and highly believe in medication to help if needed. However, many kids get diagnosed with ADHD, when they are JUST BEING KIDS!!! Just because a child is hyperactive, etc. does not mean that they have ADHD and it can be quite devastating to them, their social life, and their future if put on meds. I am currently a college student and have done a lot of research on AD/HD, the medications for it, etc. I have also taken a few psychology courses. Just this past week, in one of my psych courses, we got into a discussion about ritalin/adderall. There were actually a number of kids who said they were on it for a number of years (it varied...some were saying 8, some 1, etc) and they were saying that it was the worst years of their lives. The medication sometimes causes kids to be "antisocial" and takes away their personalities. I'm not trying to tell you that medication does not have it's benefits, don't take me wrong. I am currently on Adderall XR and it helps me a lot, however, I am still definitely ADHD and experience a lot of the symptoms. The medication just helps to moderate them and make my life a little more smooth.

As Luvmykids02 said, some people take meds through adulthood, while others only for a short while.

In any case, medication is a big decision and I recommend that you put a lot of thought into it. I also believe that you should talk to your 9 year old about it. See how he/she feels about it. Maybe you can come up with a plan together.

I wish you luck and keep us posted!!

Hi my son, and two nephews all have adhd, my oldest nephew just turned 18, and has been on meds. since the age of five, i seriously do not see him ever coming off his meds. My son will most likely be the same way, and my youngest nephew, almost 12 i have hope for him. I also work with a girl who is 24 and has been on meds. since the age of 6 for adhd