A drug holiday is when a patient suspends taking a medication for a length of time, from days to even years.
One reason for drug holidays is to permit a drug, such as a stimulant used in ADHD, to regain effectiveness after a period of continuous use, and to reduce the tolerance effect that may require increased dosage.
Drug holidays are also used to reduce drug side effects for a period of time to increase a patient’s quality of life. An example are the SSRIs, which can cause sexual dysfunction. Discontinuing them for a while can be helpful to patients who experience this side effect.
Drug holidays are also used as a preparation before discontinuing a medication.
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