When starting medication for a child with ADHD, the question on many parents' minds is, "Will this medication be needed for the rest of their lives?" In fact, some children with ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, need medication until adulthood. However, for some children, these symptoms go away as their brains mature. So, do you think it's time to stop your child's ADHD medication? If so, let's talk about it.
But the most important thing to remember is that this decision is not one you make alone. You should always talk to your child's doctor and only do this under his or her advice.
Is this the best time to stop taking the medication?
The decision to stop ADHD medication varies greatly from child to child. There is no right time. It depends on your child's situation.
Imagine that your child is now doing well in school, is less fidgety, and is more able to sit still and do things. You might wonder, "Will he be able to do well without medication now?"
Here are some of the main reasons you might consider stopping medication.
If the child's ADHD symptoms have disappeared
This is the main reason. According to surveys, about a third of children who are diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, the symptoms disappear by the time they reach adulthood. Because as their brains grow, they learn to control their attention and behavior on their own.
If the following applies to your child, this may be a good time to talk to your doctor about stopping the medication .
| Considerations | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| No symptoms for more than a year | If the child has not shown any ADHD symptoms (inattention deficit, hyperactivity) for more than a year, even if they are taking medication. |
| Recovery without increasing the dose of medication | If the child's condition continues to improve without increasing the dose of the medication for a period of time. |
| No problem when you miss a dose | Even if you miss a day or two of medication due to forgetfulness or another reason, if you do not see any change in your child's behavior or a return of old symptoms, |
If the medicine does not have the expected results
Sometimes, the medication given may not be right for your child. If your child's condition does not improve after months of taking the medication and talking to your doctor about changing the dose, there is no point in continuing to give the medication. In such cases, the doctor may stop the medication and switch to a different type or suggest a different treatment.
How to safely stop ADHD medication?
Just like starting ADHD medication, stopping it is also a process. It is not a good idea to stop the medication suddenly. A child's brain, which has been used to the medication for a long time, needs to be given some time to adjust to the state of being off the medication.
1. Choose the best time: It is not a good idea to stop medication during a major change in your child's life (e.g., moving to a new home, changing schools, or during exams). Choose a time when everything is stable and normal. Often, a school break is the best time to do this. This is because the child is not under the pressure of studying at that time.
2. Talk to the doctor: As I said before, this is the most important step. Tell your doctor what you are thinking. He or she will examine your child and explain to you the tapering schedule.
3. Be aware of the type of medication: There are two main types of medication for ADHD. The method of stopping varies depending on the type.
| Type of medicine | Things to consider when stopping |
|---|---|
| Stimulant Drugs Eg: Methylphenidate (Ritalin), Amphetamine (Adderall) | These are short-acting medications that wear off within a few hours. Therefore, even if you stop taking them suddenly on your doctor's advice, you usually won't experience any withdrawal symptoms. |
| Non-stimulant Drugs Ex: Atomoxetine | These drugs stay in the body for a long time. If these drugs are stopped suddenly, some children may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, dizziness, and headaches . Therefore, these drugs are stopped by gradually reducing the dose according to the plan given by the doctor. |
Be aware of the symptoms!
After stopping the medication on medical advice , the work is not over. The next week or two are very important.
Pay close attention to your child's behavior. Are previous ADHD symptoms reoccurring?
- Is it hard to focus on schoolwork?
- Has the inability to stay in one place increased?
- Do you get angry easily?
- Do you work in a reckless manner?
Ask not only yourself, but also your child's school teacher and anyone else who is taking care of your child (e.g., grandparents, a babysitter). If possible, write down what you see in a book.
After a week, see the doctor again with your observations and the teacher's comments. If your child is doing well and the symptoms have not returned, the doctor will ask you to see him for another week. After observing him for a few weeks, you and the doctor can be more confident about whether your child can continue without medication or whether medication needs to be started again.
Sometimes, even if the child's condition worsens slightly after stopping the medication, the doctor may suggest other methods, such as behavioral therapy.
Take-Home Message
- Never make the decision to stop ADHD medication on your own . Always discuss it with your child's doctor and do so only under his or her guidance.
- Avoid stopping medication during major changes in your child's life, such as exams or school transfers. Choose a stable time, such as a school vacation.
- After stopping the medication, carefully monitor the child's behavior, attention, and academic performance for a few weeks . Also ask the school teacher for feedback.
- Since stopping non-stimulant medications suddenly can cause discomfort, they should be tapered off gradually according to the plan provided by your doctor .
- Don't worry if symptoms return after stopping the medication. It means your child will need medication support for a while longer. Talk to your doctor about it and take the appropriate steps.
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