There are a number of prescription medications on the market today that can help children with behavioral problems. It is a difficult job for parents to decide whether to give these medications to their children or risk the consequences. Children with multiple disabilities or health issues may already be on several medications. Doctors usually really do want to make things as simple as possible for the parents, so they may recommend these prescriptions so that dealing with the child’s problems is easier. For medications that deal with behavior issues, the parent has the ultimate responsibility to decide if it is the best solution for their child’s problems.
Research the medication completely before filling the prescription. Ask your physician as many questions as you can about side effects, possible drug interactions and how difficult it may be to get off these drugs once the child starts taking them. The Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR) can be found at most libraries and in bookstores. The PDR is an exhaustive list of medications on the market today. In it, you can find all the drug information including side effects, what the drugs are prescribed for and any off label use. Off label use is a condition that that particular medication may help but not a condition that the FDA has specifically approved the drug to treat.
Be careful when researching medication and prescription drugs on the Internet. While many websites sponsored by drug companies, pharmacies and doctors are accurate, anyone can post on the Internet. Be sure that the sites you access for drug information are operated by legitimate medical professionals who have read or participated in the actual drug studies or used it in their own practice.