I Want to Take a Drug Holiday

Q: I Want to Take a Drug Holiday

I see no reason for you not to take a drug holiday . First, try to pick a time and place when being hyperactive, inattentive, disorganized, and/or impulsive will not create major problems. For example, do not take this holiday at work, but at home, perhaps on a weekend, when you have minimal responsibilities. Have someone give you feedback about your behavior when you’re off medication. Determine whether you can function well without medication or whether you are less on task or less organized. You might find that the question is not whether you can take a drug holiday, but when and under what conditions you might be able to do it. Share what you learn with your prescribing physician. Save

“Some adults in my ADHD support group take a drug holiday a couple of times a year. I would like to do this as well. Should I? Can I?”

By Larry Silver, M.D. Verified Updated on July 20, 2021

I see no reason for you not to take a drug holiday. First, try to pick a time and place when being hyperactive, inattentive, disorganized, and/or impulsive will not create major problems. For example, do not take this holiday at work, but at home, perhaps on a weekend, when you have minimal responsibilities. Have someone give you feedback about your behavior when you’re off medication.

Determine whether you can function well without medication or whether you are less on task or less organized. You might find that the question is not whether you can take a drug holiday, but when and under what conditions you might be able to do it. Share what you learn with your prescribing physician.