Parenting
When it comes to children grappling with ADHD, medication can seem like a miracle solution for both the kids and their parents, who often feel overwhelmed trying to help them. I can relate, having spent years resisting this path—experimenting with various strategies, from behavioral therapies to dietary changes—before finally agreeing to have my son try a small dose of medication.
At first, the results were transformative. It felt as if a dark cloud had lifted, bringing sunshine back into our lives. School was easier for him, and parent-teacher conferences became less of a trial. He expressed his gratitude, wishing we had pursued medication sooner. For a time, we savored this newfound ease, relishing a break from the constant struggles.
However, after several months, the effectiveness of the medication began to diminish. My son’s previous challenges resurfaced, prompting his pediatrician to increase the dosage. While this helped momentarily, it wasn’t long before we were faced with the same issues again. The doctor recommended we try a different ADHD medication.
We made the switch, but the results were inconsistent. This new medication caused an odd side effect: my son developed a tic that made him feel as if his eyelashes were sticking together. In an attempt to relieve this annoyance, he would tug at his lower eyelids, leaving them sore and irritated.
We adjusted the dosage, which alleviated the tic, but it didn’t address his ADHD symptoms. Increasing the dosage and adding another medication to counter the tic made him drowsy—he started falling asleep during lessons. Then we tried yet another ADHD medication, which had severe side effects, disrupting his sleep and curbing his appetite. Although he could concentrate better in class, I began to question whether the benefits of improved school performance were worth the toll on his general happiness and health.
The clarity came from my son himself. One day, he asked, “Mom, could I take a break from my medication?” Without hesitation, I agreed. I shared my own frustrations with the medications, and since that conversation, he hasn’t taken any prescriptions.
Living with unmedicated ADHD is challenging, and I witness my son facing the very difficulties that medication is meant to alleviate: maintaining focus, managing impulsivity, and following through on tasks. Yet, the side effects of medication—bruised eyes, sleepless nights, and weight loss—were even harder for me to bear. The struggle is tough for all of us.
To create a more supportive learning environment for him, we decided to enroll him in an online public school. This allows him to learn from home, where I can help him stay focused. We feel fortunate to have this option, and it has proven helpful for now.
I’m not making any long-term decisions about medication for my son, nor do I judge other parents who choose this route. I understand how impactful the right medication can be. However, in our case, finding the right balance proved to be a significant challenge, and I was unwilling to continue switching medications at the risk of his well-being. For now, we’re taking a break. Perhaps we’ll revisit the idea of medication in the future, but only if he wants to, as he is the one most affected by these decisions.
He deserves to feel as “normal” as possible, even if that normal looks different from the typical standards. If you’re navigating similar challenges, you might find valuable insights in our other blog posts, like this one on couples’ fertility journey. Additionally, if you’re interested in more information about ADHD, you can check out this helpful resource. For those considering pregnancy and home insemination, this site is an excellent resource.
Summary:
After years of trying various treatments for my son’s ADHD, I ultimately decided to stop his medication due to adverse side effects and the lack of lasting improvements. We now focus on managing his ADHD through online schooling, allowing for a more personalized approach. While I respect the choices of other parents, my son’s well-being remains my priority, and I’m open to reevaluating his treatment in the future based on his preferences.