When is it okay to stop taking ADHD medication?
Sometimes children and parents wonder when children can stop taking ADHD medication. If you have questions about stopping ADHD medication, consult your doctor. Many children diagnosed with ADHD will continue to have problems with one or more symptoms of this condition later in life. In these cases, ADHD medication can be taken into adulthood to help control their symptoms. For others, the symptoms of ADHD lessen over time as they begin to “outgrow” ADHD or learn to compensate for their behavioral symptoms. The symptom most apt to lessen over time is hyperactivity. Some signs that your child may be ready to reduce or stop ADHD medication are: • Your child has been symptom-free for more than a year while on medication, • Your child is doing better and better, but the dosage has stayed the same, • Your child’s behavior is appropriate despite missing a dose or two, • Or your child has developed a newfound ability to concentrate. The choice to stop taking ADHD medication should be discussed
