It would add to inconsistency and deny the child and peers confidence and reliability in more normal improving relationships. Dose timing should be tuned to the school day. The most demanding tasks and whole class activities should be done when medication is acting most strongly. Giving medication at mid-morning often works well for the demanding last hour of morning teaching and in the more challenging less structured playground. It is likely that the child will miss the next dose as one dose wears off.
Medication can continue to be used while it is demonstrated that it is having a beneficial effect.
This can be demonstrated through short breaks from the medication. If during such a break, behaviour or school performance deteriorates then medication is having a beneficial effect. Such breaks should not be lengthy as this can seriously disadvantage the student. Side effects such as lowered appetite are usually avoided by taking the medication with food and starting the dose gradually. Some irritability, tiredness or teariness, as a dose wears off, or staying up later usually pass after a few days.