Thoughts on ADHD meds only on school days?

[Anonymous]

DD takes 40 mg of Vyvanse.

Her psychiatrist is in favor of only using the meds for school days/homework. I think she's concerned abotu growth and eating in general. While DD has had periods where she lost a bit of weight, she's growing and is not at all undereight right now.

Her therapist (not an MD) wonders if not having meds on the weekend is contributing to some behavior issues, anxiety and unhappiness on her part.

Does anyone have any insight about meds all week vs meds on school days only?

[Anonymous]

DD only takes Concerta on school days. She adjusts fine. Vyvanse made her mean.

[Anonymous]

Vyvanse made my adult brother mean and snappy, too.!

Since he's an adult, he decides when to medicate and when not to. It's interesting to me that he opts not to take his pill on the weekends, either PP!

Also, he's had clear weight-appetite loss issues. Maybe he'll talk to his doctor about Concerta.

[Anonymous]

DS1, who had ADHD-Inattentive, takes meds only for school and homework. DS2, who has ADHD-Combined, takes them every day, because the impulsivity interferes with social and familial functioning. DS2's psychiatrist pointed out that while he has learned enough self-control strategies to function on a lower dose on weekends, it's unfair to expect him to function well with no meds at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS1, who had ADHD-Inattentive, takes meds only for school and homework. DS2, who has ADHD-Combined, takes them every day, because the impulsivity interferes with social and familial functioning. DS2's psychiatrist pointed out that while he has learned enough self-control strategies to function on a lower dose on weekends, it's unfair to expect him to function well with no meds at all.

Yes, we were advised to give the meds to DD on the weekends as well, but didn't until her behavior on the weekends convinced us otherwise. She has combined, too.

[Anonymous]

There is social learning that occurs on weekends, all sorts of things kids should attend to for their personal growth. So generally it is a bad idea to skip weekends. If her appetite is genuinely a problem it would be one thing, but if her weight is fine and she is eating there's no reason to skip the weekends.

I agree with the others that if she is having other issues you might explore whether this is the right medication for her.

[Anonymous]

OP,

Have you tried halving the medication dose and see if that makes a difference?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS1, who had ADHD-Inattentive, takes meds only for school and homework. DS2, who has ADHD-Combined, takes them every day, because the impulsivity interferes with social and familial functioning. DS2's psychiatrist pointed out that while he has learned enough self-control strategies to function on a lower dose on weekends, it's unfair to expect him to function well with no meds at all.

PP describes a great example of two different approaches to medication depending on the child's needs and situation. I would go back to the prescribing doctor for a recommendation on what to do in your child's particular situation. Maybe a different drug choice might be warranted. Maybe a different drug on the weekend vs. weekday. Maybe two drugs (1 for ADHD symptoms and another for anxiety issues) might be warranted. A medical professional would be the best source for advice on this subject.

[Anonymous]

As far as the weight issue, my daughter has been in a similar boat while taking first Vyavanse then Concerta. Her pediatrician encourages her to drink Boost or Ensure for the protein and calories when her appetite is suppressed by the medication. 240 calories and 15 gram of protein in each drink so it is like a meal in a bottle. Usually my daughter has been compliant in drinking the drinks in lieu of forcing down a full meal. Her medication also begins wearing off by 3pm, so she eats a large snack/small meal when she gets home from school then a full dinner 2-3 hours later. These strategies have helped her maintain a healthy weight and keep a balance diet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD takes 40 mg of Vyvanse.

Her psychiatrist is in favor of only using the meds for school days/homework. I think she's concerned abotu growth and eating in general. While DD has had periods where she lost a bit of weight, she's growing and is not at all undereight right now.

Her therapist (not an MD) wonders if not having meds on the weekend is contributing to some behavior issues, anxiety and unhappiness on her part.
Does anyone have any insight about meds all week vs meds on school days only?

Dear OP -

Does the therapist send updates to the prescribing psychiatrist?

Can the therapist write down her/his concerns so you can present the concerns to a medical professional (your psychiatrist or pediatrician)?

It is unclear from your post whether or not the psychiatrist is aware of your therapist concerns. If your psychiatrist is not up to date, I would suggest going back to the psychiatrist for a med check and a discussion of the behavior/anxiety/unhappiness issues.

If your psychiatrist is aware of these issues but disagrees with the therapist, your psychiatrist is the expert in regards to medication. Your choices are to listen to the psychiatrist, get a second opinion, or discuss the matter with your pediatrician. Our pediatrician is the subscriber for ADHD medication for our children. Your pediatrician would be a professional that if he/she is not already in the loop with your child's treatment for ADHD, he/she should be and he/she could help you with this type of decision.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all. The therapist and MD work together well -- therapist brought this up right after we saw MD, where we discussed issued with meds and are trying some different strategies like time of dose. I honestly hadn't thought to quesiton MD's position on the weekends until therapist mentioned it might help with social issues. So I will dedinitely talk to both again -- just was wondering what others' experience has been.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS1, who had ADHD-Inattentive, takes meds only for school and homework. DS2, who has ADHD-Combined, takes them every day, because the impulsivity interferes with social and familial functioning. DS2's psychiatrist pointed out that while he has learned enough self-control strategies to function on a lower dose on weekends, it's unfair to expect him to function well with no meds at all.

This pretty much sums up what we do as well.

I also agree with the PP who suggested Boost/Ensure. It took me a long time to accept the fact that nutrition doesn't need to be chewed (welcome to the new millenium!). Our DS LOVES Boost and I actually keep some at work for when I have to skip lunch.

[Anonymous]

My daughter only takes meds only when in school or for homework. She is in high school, so if she has a lot of homework to do over the weekend, she will take it on the weekend. If she is on break from school or no homework, then she does not take the meds. She is, however, ADHD inattentive type and does not have any behavioral issues and is not impulsive.

I have friends that do medicate their driving aged sons who display impulsivity issues to help with safety and decision making.

[Anonymous]

Yesterday I forgot to give ds his med before church.

We took a deep breath and went anyway.

By some miracle, the sunday school preschool teachers said he did great! (compared to previous sundays)

I'm glad yesterday he went without b/c he was woke us up at 4:30AM! He went sound asleep last night at 9:30 and woke up at 7am.

[Anonymous]

My 10.5 year old DS takes Concerta and I was advised by the pediatrician not to take a break on the weekend. Apparently, Concerta has a withdrawal effect and you can't just stop taking it. Plus, I try to be consistent with DS and do not want to send mixed messages to him by taking during the week and taking a break on the weekend. DS dreads taking pills so I know I would get a lot of complaints on Monday if he had the weekend off. Also, DS does a lot of social and sports activities on the weekend, and maintaining the balance that Concerta gives him helps when he is in social settings.