My psychiatrist strongly suggested that I take a “medication holiday”, meaning not taking meds for up to a month during the summer holidays.
And god damn. I’ve already ruined my face with skin picking (Started eating compulsively due to lack of stimulation and DoPaMiNe), have gone back to an irregular sleep schedule due to being constantly tired (currently 6AM where I am), and have like 3 trash bags in my house cos I’m having trouble leaving my house.
We love to see that the meds are working! The medication holiday just makes me grateful for the impact of the meds on my everyday life.
Still not gonna take a whole month off though. My life would be in shambles by the end lmfao
Dr Russell Barkley seems to be pretty against the idea of not taking meds. ADHD affects all parts of your life, and just because you don’t have school doesnt mean you dont have ADHD. Your brain works better on the drugs, you can be more responsible, put more effort into your hobbies, and take better care of yourself if youre on your meds.
Unless theyve got some real reason for suggesting that, you should probably get a new dr.
Stimulants have an anti-depressant effect as well. Playing yo-yo with your brain chemistry is ummmm questionable
Thanks a lot for the information!
That’s what I also thought.
Once I stopped my ADHD meds, it felt like hell. I only lasted 5 days without my meds. Thanks a lot!
I’m most likely not gonna change my Dr. I’ve been with her for 6 years and I’m just one of the first ADHD patients she has lol. But she told me she’s gonna do training to update her knowledge!
Also she did give me my prescription when I told her I didn’t think it would work. She didn’t just cut me off.
I’ll inform her of your comment since she’s always willing to learn and listen to what I tell her.
It’s usually suggested to avoid building a chemical tolerance to them as stimulants do have addictive properties, but it usually should not be for a month. I’ve discussed it with my psychiatrist and I was told that a week every 3 to 6 months is sufficient.