Medication

Using drugs to change children's behavior can be a controversial topic. People have strong feelings about giving drugs to children. Some people point out that we do not know exactly how these drugs act on the central nervous system of children, and therefore should not risk using them. Others suggest that the benefits outweigh the risks. They cite the possible negative consequences of not treating a disorder in childhood.

For parents to make the difficult decision about medication for their child, they must take these and many other factors into account and get the best possible information about these factors. If your child is old enough to understand any of the issues involved, you should explain as much as possible to them and ask the doctor to do the same.

Parents have reported that sometimes their child's teacher has suggested medication. These parents found the recommendation very upsetting. The best route to take in this situation is to remain calm and schedule an appointment with your child's pediatrician or a child psychiatrist. You can discuss your concerns and ask for your doctor's expertise and recommendation.

If your child's physician recommends medication for emotional problems, he or she should discuss this with you first. It is important that the physician give you an adequate and understandable explanation why he or she believes medication would help your child. The physician should also explain to you the usual side effects of the medication and any serious risks.

Be honest about your feelings regarding medicine. If you have doubts, uncertainties or fears, try to explain them to your doctor. If he or she is unsympathetic, let him know you are bothered by this attitude.

You may want to ask for a second opinion if your physician recommends medication for your child. It would also be helpful to read different points of view on the subject. Your public library should have a reference section on children's medication. Finally, talk to other parents about the situation. Parents Involved Network (PIN) offers help to parents who have these kinds of questions.

Contact Parents Involved Network (PIN); 800-688-4226

Your child's behavior will not be changed immediately just because he or she is taking medication. Almost all medications take some time to work. With this in mind if your doctor suggests adding new medications or changing medications very quickly, please ask for an explanation. Drugs alone are useful in some instances but often should be used in conjunction with good treatment and appropriate educational programs.

Those drugs most commonly used outside of hospitals are listed on the following pages. For more detailed information, see the Physician's Desk Reference (P.D.R.) available in the reference section of most libraries and in many bookstores. Since medications can sometimes interact with each other, it is important that you let all of your child's doctors know about any and all medications or herbal remedies that your child is taking. It is recommended that before prescribing major tranquilizing and anti-depressant drugs, laboratory tests should be performed on your child. These tests may include: blood tests, EEGs, EKGs, liver studies and urine tests. Follow-up tests should be done at regularly scheduled check-ups. When drugs are used, it should be for as short a time as possible.

Some physicians recommend giving children a drug "holiday", that is a period of time without drugs. This is most often done for children taking stimulants and antipsychotics. Some doctors feel that the drugs are not necessary during the summer, when school is not in session. A child's condition may be such that a drug holiday is not possible. Ask your physician if a drug holiday is appropriate for your child.

For children who must take medication during the day, when they are in school, it may be possible to get the medication in time-release form. This can be helpful because children often "forget" to take their medicine. Check with your doctor. If medication is given in school, a form may be required. Try to arrange with school personnel a procedure for dispensing the medication that will ensure privacy for your child, as much as possible.

Important Points to Remember:

• Laboratory tests may be necessary before medication is prescribed.
• Children should have therapeutic or professional support while on medication.
• Almost always, medication alone is not as helpful as medication with therapy.
• Children should have regular check-ups with a medical doctor where blood, liver and urine tests are done. EKGs may be required if children are receiving tricyclic antidepressants.
• Adults should supervise children's medication at all times.
• Each doctor involved with the child should be informed regarding what others are prescribing.
• A physician should continuously monitor the child's medication use.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions about your child's medication.
• Be sure you understand all instructions on the medicine label and follow them exactly.

Be Sure You Know:

• What medicine your child is taking and what it is prescribed for (exactly what symptoms the medication is aimed at).
• When your child should take it (before, during or after meals; before going to bed; etc.)
• How your child should take it.
• How long your child should take it.
• What foods or drinks your child should avoid, if any.
• What activities your child should avoid, if any.
• What positive results should be watched for.
• What the possible side effects are. Be sure these are clearly explained. Call your physician if you think that a certain behavior might be a side effect.

Do's:

• Call your physician immediately if your child has unpleasant or unusual reactions to medicine.
• Store medicines properly. Read the labels for special storage instructions.
• Store medicines out of reach of children. This may require locking them away in a safe place. Some drugs are extremely dangerous and even a small amount of some can be lethal.
• Consult your child's doctor regularly.
• Throw away old or expired medicines by dumping them in the toilet and flushing. Throw away old containers.
• Be sure your child swallows the medicine that is given. Some children will pretend to swallow, then hide medicine in their mouth and spit it out later. If this happens, do not try to force the medicine down your child's throat. Call your doctor and schedule an appointment so he or she can help your child to understand the reasons behind this behavior. Liquid forms of a number of medications are now available to help with this problem.
• Post phone numbers in your home of your emergency medical service, hospital, pharmacy, physician and poison center.
• If there is a side effect that concerns you, don't hesitate but go immediately to a hospital emergency room (E.R.).

Don'ts:

• Don't let your child stop taking his or her medication or change dosage without talking to your doctor, especially if your child is feeling better.
• Don't transfer medicines to other containers.
• Don't let your child use someone else's medication or give your child's medicine to another person.
• Don't give your child medicines unless you understand all the instructions for using them safely.

Be Sure Your Physician and Pharmacist Know:

• All medicines-including aspirin-your child takes now and any allergies or bad reactions your child has had to specific medicines in the past.
• If your child smokes, drinks coffee or uses other caffeine-containing beverages, or uses other recreational drugs or alcohol.

Parents Involved Network - ©1999-2004