Is Medication Safe?
When taken as prescribed by a doctor skilled in treating children and adolescents, medication can be extremely helpful in reducing or eliminating symptoms that interfere with your child's daily functioning. Unfortunately, the long-term effects of such medications on a child's development and health are little understood due to the lack of research. Be sure to ask your child's doctor about any FDA warnings associated with your child's medication, and if you research medication online, be careful to make sure your sources are valid and reputable. Often, your pharmacist can provide education and support as you investigate your child's medication.
Special Considerations with Children
Because children's brains and bodies are still developing, most practitioners use caution in prescribing psychiatric medication, especially for children under twelve. In addition, longitudinal studies on the way medication may affect children's development are only recently coming available, and are nonexistent for newer medications. Because there is an indication that antidepressant medication may increase suicidal thinking and behavior in adolescents, it is especially important to monitor your teen carefully, especially during the initiation, change, or cessation of a medication. For example, do not be fooled if your teen seems to have more energy after beginning a medication. This might actually be a risk factor for suicide if he continues to have suicidal thoughts along with increased energy.
Allergic and Toxic Reactions
Rarely, a child may have an allergic or toxic reaction to medication. This is different than a side effect and may require IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION. Typical signs of an allergic reaction might include disorientation, extreme lethargy or agitation, bizarre physical sensations (tingling, numbness, buzzing), debilitating headache, vomiting, skin rash/mottling or hives, difficulty breathing, or trouble with coordination.
Alert!
If your child experiences any allergic reaction symptoms while on a medication, it is important to speak with your care provider without delay. If your child becomes unresponsive, unconscious, or if she can't breathe, call 911 immediately!
Off-Label Prescribing
Because the FDA has increased regulations and warnings for medications used for children, doctors may choose to override the warnings and prescribe “off-label.” For example, a child younger than is approved by the FDA may use a medication, or at a different dosage. Be cautious about off-label prescribing; there is a reason the FDA has approved drugs in the manner they have. Ask your child's physician directly about any concerns you might have.
Generics
Generic brands of medication become available after the original patent for the pharmaceutical agent runs out. This allows for competition in the marketplace, which reduces the cost to the consumer as companies compete for their business. Many larger chain stores offer generic prescriptions for low cost to those who do not have insurance coverage, and some insurance companies will not pay for anything but the generic. Because some of the medications used for children with anxiety are still under patent, they are not available generically. Occasionally, a generic medication will not work as well because of small changes in the makeup of the tablet or capsule.
