Navigating the challenges of ADHD can be overwhelming for both children and their parents. After resisting medication for years and trying various non-pharmaceutical approaches, I finally decided to give my son a low dose of medication. The initial results were remarkable; it felt as though a cloudy sky had cleared, transforming his daily experiences. School became more manageable, and parent-teacher meetings were less daunting. He expressed gratitude and even mentioned he wished we had started the medication sooner. For a while, we enjoyed a newfound sense of ease.
However, after a few months, the medication’s effectiveness appeared to diminish. His previous difficulties resurfaced, prompting his pediatrician to recommend an increased dosage. This adjustment worked temporarily, but soon the symptoms returned. The doctor suggested switching to a different medication, which initially seemed promising but introduced an unexpected side effect. My son developed a tic where he felt his eyelashes were sticking together, leading him to irritate his lower eyelids in an effort to find relief.
In an attempt to manage the situation, we adjusted the dosage, which alleviated the tic but did not significantly reduce his ADHD symptoms. Increasing the dosage again and adding another medication to combat the tic resulted in drowsiness, causing him to fall asleep in class. We then tried yet another ADHD medication that drastically affected his sleep and appetite. Although he could focus on his studies, I questioned whether the benefits were worth the negative impact on his overall happiness and well-being.
The turning point came when my son asked, “Mom, would you mind if I tried not taking my medicine for a while?” Without hesitation, I assured him that he didn’t have to continue if it made him uncomfortable. I shared my own frustrations with the medication process. Since he weaned off the prescriptions, we’ve faced the complexities of managing unmedicated ADHD together.
Watching him struggle with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity is challenging, particularly in a traditional classroom setting. To provide him with a better learning environment, we enrolled him in an online public school, allowing me to assist him with focus. We are grateful for this option, which seems to be working for the time being.
I do not intend to make any permanent decisions regarding my son’s medication or judge other parents who choose to medicate their children. I understand how transformative the right medication can be when properly administered. However, finding the appropriate combination for my son has proven to be a significant challenge, and I am unwilling to compromise his physical and emotional health by continuing to switch medications. For now, we are taking a break. We may consider revisiting medication options in the future, but only if he expresses a desire to do so. After all, he is the one most affected by these choices, and he deserves to feel as normal as possible, even if that “normal” looks different from others.
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Summary
The author reflects on their experience with their son’s ADHD medication, initially leading to improved behavior but later causing adverse effects, prompting a decision to discontinue treatment. Emphasizing the importance of the child’s comfort and well-being, they explore alternative educational options while remaining open to future medication discussions.
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