Weekends and Holidays

Initially, medication should be given seven days a week so that parents can monitor for effectiveness and side effects. After the dose has been adjusted, parents can choose whether to give the methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine on weekends and holidays. If the child's behavior is not a problem in the home; parents may choose not to medicate on nonschool days. They may want to medicate on occasions (traveling, family gatherings and outings) where the child's behavior may be more problematic. Stopping medication for summer vacation should be approached with the same rationale.

Clonidine requires weeks to maximize effect and should not be stopped on the weekends. It can be stopped for the summer if the parents desire but must be restarted several weeks before the next school year. Clonidine should be weaned over one week because of the potential for rebound hypertension.

If there are concerns about a child's growth, a drug holiday may allow for some catchup to occur. However, there is no absolute reason the child must go on a drug holiday and medication may be given every day if it is the best therapeutic option.