08/14/2026
Meds help kids outside the classroom, too! I encourage my families to keep a consistent treatment program for ADHD, especially when literacy interventions are occurring because these medicines also help with working memory. When my students take drug holidays, it really affects our work together.
Child and adolescent psychiatrist Alan Ravitz, MD, recommends against drug holidays unless there is a compelling reason for them as the data shows that children with ADHD who stick with their treatment program year-round reap better results than those who experience interruptions. That’s because it’s a misnomer to think that ADHD affects only their performance in school.
A guide for parents, patients and other caregivers on the pros and cons of taking a drug holiday from ADHD medications and what to expect.