Summer Medications?

Summer Medications?
by Ned Hallowell, MD

The question often comes up, "Should I take my ADHD medications during the summer?" 

I usually advise children who are still growing to discontinue their meds during the summer unless they really need them.  This is because if you take the meds all year round there is a slight chance of minute growth suppression, on average a total of a half inch.  Still, it is preferable not to have any growth suppression, and taking the summer months off minimizes that risk. 

Once growth is no longer an issue, there is no reason to stop the meds during the summer.  One ought to have a week-long meds "holiday" once a year just to see if you still need to be taking the medication.  The holiday need last no longer than a day if it turns into a nightmare! 

While we are on the subject of growth, it is important for people of all ages to eat properly while taking stimulants not just to maintain height, but to maintain weight and get proper nutrients.  The major side effect of stimulant medication is appetite suppression, which while desirable up to a point, can become dangerous if allowed to go on unchecked.   

Make sure you eat a balanced, healthy diet and maintain your food intake while on stimulants.  Weight yourself at least once a week, on the same scales, at the same time of day, in the same state of dress or undress, so you can detect changes in weight before they become a problem.