Our medication journey is over | ADHD Information

I'm writing this post with feelings of apprehension, but also hope. We recently returned from a 10 day vacation and decided  to give our son (age 6, ADHD and also mild autism) a medication break while we were away. He hadn't been eating or sleeping well, and was appearing a little "flat" and anxious at times. His teacher, however, kept reassuring us he was just fine in school. (She was so happy when we decided to give him the medicine, and even suggested we increase it!) Anyway, he was beyond happy on vacation....eating like crazy, sleeping all night in his own bed (unheard of at home), and playing well with the new friends he met.

So, we decided he will not be medicated for the last 10 days of school, or on summer break. I'm sure his teacher (who I am not at all happy with) will have a problem with our decision, but we have to do what we feel is best. We'll start next year without meds and see what happens. I know it's not uncommon to try several meds before you find one that "fits" and maybe we'll have to try again next year, but right now he just needs a break, and so do we. We were so hopeful with the positive results in the beginning of this medication journey and then so upset with the ups and downs. I think the final straw was a few weeks ago when he told me he wasn't feeling well. I asked, "what's wrong, does your tummy hurt?" And he said, "no Mommy, I just feel boring". Out of the mouths of babes!

Anyway, I want to thank all of you who have responded to my many posts for  all your support and advice. You have been really wonderful! I will continue to fight this battle for my son but I just don't know yet what direction it's going to take.

Kathleen - Kudos to you and your son.  I know these decisions are not always easy.  Take it one day at a time and maybe this "break" is just what you all need! 

Kathleen,

Good for you for trusting your instincts!   If he's doing well now then why not enjoy the summer without meds (or even longer if he can)!  I know how many hours you've spent here trying to get the best information for your son and how hard you've worked! The bottom line is, you do what's best "day by day".  And sometimes that changes every day but you have to be able to adjust with kids like ours. Like Matt's mom said, stimulants are fast acting so you can change your mind pretty easily if you decide he needs them again.  I personally think you've done a fantastic job! 

Thanks so much for your replies, and all the kind words. Who knows what the next school year will bring?  We are open to any possibilites, and putting our son back on medication if needed is something we haven't ruled out. All I know right now is that we all need a break!  I met with his teacher today and I could tell she was VERY unhappy with our decision to stop the meds and pretty much told me she didn't think he will make it in first grade next year without them. But I have to remember she is the same person who all year had not many good things to say about him.... it was just a bad match.

To Logan's Mom and Matt's Mom..... I especially want to thank you for your support. I feel like we are friends, even though we have never met. I plan to stay active on the boards, and hope to keep in touch through them. Andrea, how is Matt doing on the focalin now? I hope it has continued to go well for him!

Kathleen,

I'm glad that you are trusting your gut.  I know how much you have been agonizing over adding new medications for your son.  I say listen to your instincts............moms know their child best.  Who knows what will happen in the fall but worry about it then.  The meds are fast acting so you will be able to help him if needed.  And you will also be able to see what is not working. 

Enjoy your summer with your eating and sleeping machine!!   

Andrea

Matt age 8 Focalin 10mg

Hang in there... we have also taken a winding road with the meds.  DS is currently off of all stimulants and on Tenex only.  We didn't think it was working..and then realized that he was spitting out the pills.."great".  I have also put my foot down and said no to meds (Resperiol -sp?) when I was concerned about side effects.  Unfortunately, this isn't an exact science..  Right now we are in a pretty good place and thankful for it!  Enjoy the summer ..you might find that your son makes a leap in maturity/social skills, etc.  all on his own.

Blessings,

Sandy

 

Kathleen0515,

You are so very welcome for the support! I'm glad I could help out a friend in need!  Please let me know how he's doing over the summer.  I truly hope he continues to be happy and healthy without meds!