ADD do you medicate on weekends?

[Lesley25]

Hi, My ds has asd and add and whilst the medication is working well at school, I don't like the effect it has on him on the weekends- I just feel he's very quiet and fairly withdrawn, and just much more fixated on the iPad. School says it's working wonders,but maybe I'm just used to my ds bouncing around (he's 6).
Does anyone not medicate on weekends? And am I right in thinking it doesn't need to build up in his system to work (he's on medikinet xl 10mg)

[madwomanbackintheattic]

Sometimes, but to be honest that's because he's got to the point that he'd rather have a lie in, and so by the time he gets up it's too late (ie would potentially cause issues with wakefulness when I want him back in bed....)

I'm guessing this isn't an issue you have with a 6yo though....

Different meds though - I don't know if medikinet needs a continuous dose... Ask the pharmacist?

[Lesley25]

Thanks mad, I'm positive the psychiatrist said a continuous dose wasn't necessary, once it's taken its released in 4 hour doses and gone in 8 but one to bring up in our next review ...

[streakybacon]

My ds is home educated so using meds 'for school' isn't an issue. He's taken them for five years and hasn't had a break. He needs to function all the time and there is no practical reason for a break.

He takes immediate release methylphenidate (Ritalin) 3 x daily (the type that lasts 4 hours), plus a daily dose of atomoxetine (Strattera) and it's this that has a build up and continuous dose. We are allowed to fiddle with the methylphenidate and sometimes we don't give the 5pm dose if he seems settled and focused enough to manage without it, but we're not allowed to miss the atomoxetine because it works differently and shouldn't be stopped abruptly or tampered with.

If your son is on medikinet xl, it will be longer-lasting methylphenidate on slow release, so you'd maybe need to discuss with the consultant whether you can take breaks on that version. I expect there is probably relevant patient information online too.

[TheFirstOfHerName]

DS2 has ASD & ADHD and takes methylphenidate (slow release) every day. He finds it easier to navigate life (not just school) when he is on it.

He is quite underweight and not growing as fast as he should, so we are considering a break in the summer holidays. He gets quite anxious and unsettled when he isn't on it, so I'm not looking forward to the prospect.

[Lesley25]

Thanks everyone, after no dose this weekend, I'm starting to think we might be on the wrong type/combination. I know it can take months to navigate through till we find the right combo so it's interesting to hear your experiences. Thanks again everyone x