Raising a Child with ADHD: Medication during the Summer Months
(Page 2)
Medication for ADHD should be taken on an as-needed basis. Medications for ADHD are short acting. This means that they do not require a build-up in your system to be effective. They work similar to pain medication in this regard: during the time they are active, symptoms will be lessened. Once the medication wears off, the symptoms will return. Based on this, medication can be taken only when needed. It can be taken to help during school or during summer activities that would require sustained attention.
Medication for ADHD should be discontinued during school breaks. Side effects of medications for ADHD include loss of appetite and delayed growth. “Vacations” from medications might allow children to catch up on weight gain and growth.
Medication is needed to control symptoms of ADHD all during the year. ADHD is not a school time disorder. It impacts many aspects of a child’s life, including social, emotional and family life. Medication for ADHD helps to lessen symptoms that may create behavioral problems. Taking medication consistently will help to eliminate behavioral difficulties during the summer months. It will allow them to maintain friendships and participate in family and social activities without having additional difficulties associated with impulsiveness or underdeveloped social skills.
