When to start adhd medicine?

[Exhaustedcog]

Hi all, asked a few questions here before but finally have camhs adhd diagnosis (plus a dyslexia diagnosis done privately) and am looking to start my 10.5 year old on adhd medicine which I am really really hoping makes his life easier for him. The doc is happy to prescribe immediately because of severity and adjustments already in place but wondering what you all think about starting medicine over summer vs in school re observation? My son will likely be in a couple of weeks of summer clubs as well as some holiday with me and then some time just hanging out whilst I work etc in holidays. Is it best to start in summer to help manage any side effects or is it best to wait til September and start then so school can give feedback? His teacher in September is new so doesn’t know him but rest of school team are very familiar with his hyperactivity!

I'm not sure there's one correct answer to this.

My DS was prescribed his just before the February of the half term holiday. I was glad he could start it in the holiday so that I could see what impact it had and keep an eye on any side effects, etc.

But then if your son is going to be at holiday camps, etc. in the holidays, maybe better to start now whilst he's still at school, an environment he feels settled in?

My son found the first week quite difficult. Felt very out of sorts and emotional.

It's all a bit trial and error and I'm not sure there's a perfect time for it, really.

Good luck. I hope it helps.

I’d start in the holidays. DD can feel a bit strange, increasing the dose up in stages. It doesn’t reach full effect for her anyway, until she reaches the target dose. We can look at her and still see the ADD (fidgeting and emotional volatility) on the lower doses. Even on the full dose, we can see the methylphenidate wearing off in the evenings.

I'm keen for my DS to start his before he starts Uni but he's an adult so I don't really have any control.

Let us know how you get on @Exhaustedcog

Thank you so much everyone. I have decided to start last two or three weeks in summer hols so when he starts year 6 we might be past worst side effects. I will let you know how we get on! Thanks again