Discontinuation of Medication

Increasingly adolescents and adults are being diagnosed with AD/HD and beginning stimulant medication. Parents should understand that this is a disorder that may be life-long. With advancing age and the development of coping mechanisms some children can stop stimulant medication. Other patients may require treatment into adult life. Medications can be held for a brief period every two years to decide whether therapy should continue. If medications are stopped, the family and school should continue the behavioral and environmental interventions that they have made. The physician should continue to monitor the child's adjustment at yearly visits.