how long?

[kyty]

My son has been taking 36mg. of concerta for about 2 years now and is still doing really well. I stress about it because I feel thats a long time. He even takes it on weekends because he thinks he needs to. If not we fight alot. He also says that when he doesn't take it he can't hang out with his friends because he gets bored with them, argues with them, and ends up coming home. Is it ok that he doesn't take med breaks?

[jj]

I know some parents (with input from their kids) have elected to not take med breaks and I've not heard of any bad repercussions or regrets. I also know a lot of parents who do give their kids med breaks. I think what your son told you is very important to consider. As he gets older and learns to control some of these issues he may decide he has learned enough coping skills to take breaks.

Personally, I don't think you are doing anything wrong by not taking med breaks.

Actually, I'll be interested to hear what others have to say.

[mary2]

I can relate to your case because my son has been taking the same dose of concerta for over a year;maybe two years, and without a break. I will take him off it during the summer break which starts in two weeks here because he has appetite issues and his growth has been affected, so the Dr suggested to stop it for that time. I am a little scared because of the hyper thing and because I don't want him to lose the control he has gained during this long time. The med has been a great tool to support his therapies and all the work he has done. I hope he does not lose this work. But he really needs to eat more, so, there is no other choice for us.

[puzzled]

My son has done both. Taken the med with no breaks and taking breaks on weekends and school holidays. We leave it up to him. The child is the one that deals with the stress and feelings from this disorder and it sounds like your son is very self aware.

It is perfectly fine to keep doing what you are doing as long as he is doing well.

[kyty]

Wow thanks for all the replies. I do think he needs to be the one to choose when he takes his breaks. He has learned when he needs to and when not to. School is a must.
Has anyone else heard about whether it causes problems with puberty (being on meds for a long time). There was this lady at work who was asking me questions about meds for ADHD because her son had been diagnosed with it. She said no to meds because they make puberty start really late or not at all. Has any one else hears of this. She kind of scared me a little!

[mary2]

I have heard that meds may delay growth. Last appointment with the Dr, he said that my son hasn't grown as he should after the last time he saw him. However, like I said, my son has terrible appetite issues, so... This is why we are taking him off meds for the summer so he has a chance to gain some weight and maybe grow a little.

[kyty]

my son has no trouble growing he is 5'6 160p. ans is 12. He is a very big boy! He doesn't eat much during the day sometimes but usually he's good.

[jj]

I think ADHD kids are just behind in maturing and has nothing to do with medications as far as I know. In fact, I have never heard that being said by anyone regarding meds. I could be wrong though.

[kyty]

I sure hope not!

[jfla]

my son was on meds (methylphenidate) for ten years without any problems in appetite or growth. He did not take med holidays. I think he finally learned enough skills to get along off meds. He just takes it now for school or work.