You have every right to be paranoid! And you're smart to seek out insight beyond your doctor's office. From what we know, no studies have linked delayed puberty or a decrease in growth hormones to stimulant medications like Adderall. Some studies do suggest that growth may take a short-term hit of an inch or two, but most kids on ADHD meds catch up by the end of puberty.

That said, you're not the first parent to complain of slow growth in a child taking ADHD medications.

Taking a drug holiday is another issue. Since there is no hard evidence linking stimulants to long-term growth problems, going off drugs for the summer won't necessarily help. If your son feels it might hurt - by getting him in trouble - then I'm not sure it's worth it. But if your son is going to be an environment where he doesn't need to concentrate and/or can bounce off the walls without repercussions, then I might consider it. Either way, you should consult with your doctor!

I hope this helps!

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I know that you posted this a few months ago, but I wanted to reply because I also have the same concern for our daughter. She is 8yrs old ( will be 9 next month) and she also takes Adderall (XR 10mg) and is for the most part shorter than her peers. I got the impression from our MD that her lack of appetite affected her rate of growth, so I too have had her skip her meds at times and have asked for a lower dose of Adderall for the weekends and lite school work days. She really needs the meds to stay focused and to stay on task!! At her last visit, her MD did not seem overly concerned about her rate of growth, but I am. Have you made any changes since your post or seen any changes in your son's growth over the last few months?

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My son has been taking medication for his ADHD since he was about in the 1st grade. He is the tallest in his class and he continues to grow. I am 5'6 and he is almost at eye level to me. Soon I'll have to look up to him LOL. I hope this helps.

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