Medication Breaks | ADHD Information

Ok.  my DD just went for a check-up with our family doctor.  He prescribes the medication after we consulted a pediactic phsychologist.  My daughter is doing great at 20mg of Adderall XR.  She has been on medication for two years. 

At first we didn't give it to her on weekends and in the first summer.  But has time has progressed, we give it to her everyday.  Her life and emotional stabilbity is much better when we use it everyday.  I may also be a little selfish in this regard.  But she seems to get in a lot less trouble on the weekends. 

The doctor suggested we give her a break from the medication over the Christmas break and summer.  I work and she is with her Grandma before and after school and on all breaks.  We also have a 2 1/2 years old son her is probably on his was to medication.  Symptoms are much more severe in him at this age.

I hate to make her take the medication, but it was the decision we made and it works.  Do we take a break and suffer over the Christmas break?  Is it worth it?  The emotional rollercoaster that will follow after the break will not be fun.  What should I do?  Help??
Once you get used to taking Adderall on a daily basis, it is not a good idea to stop that pattern. If your doctor suggest the break, then maybe he thinks she doesen't need the medication. Most doctors advise not to stray from taking your meds on daily basis. If you and your daughter feel the medication works then you have the answer.

You will need to decide if taking a break is worth it.

Pros: You can see if the med is still needed or if maturity has reduced the need (you may already have this answer from the period after meds have worn off). If weight is an issue, a break can help the child catch up on growth.

Cons: If she had problems going up to this dose when she was first started, she might have the same problems getting used to the med again. The ups and downs can be very hard on the child in terms of self esteem and the family (including the child's relationship with other family members).

My daughter's doctor likes to take a break near the beginning of the school year to re-evauluate the med. Other than that, he prefers the med on board all the time to help with family and peer interactions, as well as school.