Every child’s experience with ADHD is unique. So is their response to medication and how they might handle a break. For some, a medication vacation could provide benefits, while for others, it could lead to challenges. That’s why making this decision requires thought, discussion, and professional medical advice.
Setting up an appointment with your child’s provider is a crucial step in the decision-making process. Because they have a deep understanding of your child’s health, the healthcare provider can help you make the best choice possible, carefully guiding you through the advantages and drawbacks specific to your child’s case. Don’t forget to include your child in the discussions as well—their insights and feelings can play a pivotal role in the decision-making process.
As we already noted in the previous section, there’s another angle to this discussion to consider as well – the potential impact of stimulant medications on a child’s physical growth, something parents may hope to lessen with a medication vacation. Some research shows children on these medications may lag behind their peers in height and weight. However, other studies indicate that these differences even out in as little as three years. Similarly, the appetite-suppressing effect of these drugs can lead to significant weight loss, which may warrant a medication break if it becomes a concern.