Thank you for your question and welcome to ADHDCentral.com.  I am not a medical professional and would not be able to offer you advice on medications. You should discuss any questions you may have about your medication with your doctor or your pharmacist. He or she would have the knowledge to understand your situation and how the medication may impact your life and interact with other medications you may be taking.   Ritalin is, however, a short acting medication. Stopping and starting the medication should not impact the effectiveness while the child is taking the medication. Many many professionals feel consistency in taking the medication helps the child to feel better about themselves and improves their ability to learn coping strategies.   For further information on medications for ADHD:   Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Medication   Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Beginning Medication   ADHD Drug Information   Side Effects of Commonly Prescribed Medications for ADHD   Tips for Managing Side Effects   Thanks again for your question and I hope you take the time to read some of the in-depth information we have on the site. Please also take the time to write a share post and let us know more about you. You may also want to reach out and answer some questions from other members. Sharing information is a very important part of managing ADHD in daily life.   Eileen