What do I need to know about medicating or not medicating my youth?
You will need answers to these questions before you and your child or youth agree to take medications for a behavioral health related problem. The person prescribing the medications should be able to answer the questions. You should also know how research the information from a reputable source on the internet http://www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx. If you want help doing this or talking about making the decision, please call a Peer Navigator at 888-770-4979 or 770-4979 in Anchorage.
Medication Questions
- • What is the name of the medicine being recommended?
- • Why/How will this medicine help my child?
- • How long must the medication be taken before we notice a change?
- • How often is the medication taken?
- • is there a preferred schedule?
- • How long does the medication need to be taken?
- • Is the medicine known by other names (generics)? Is the generic as good as the name brand? Is there a cost difference? Is it approved by the FDA for that purpose?
- • Is it being prescribed for other medical conditions?
- • What are the side effects of taking this medication?
- • How often do these side effects take place?
- • Are any of the side effects permanent?
- • If temporary, how long after stopping the medication will the side effects subside?
- • Can this medication become addictive or be abused?
- What types of precautions do we need to take for this medication to be the most effective, and avoid interactions?
- • Prescription or over the counter medicine interactions
- • Food or drinks to avoid
- • Exercise or sun exposure precautions
- • Allergies
- • Are any medical or lab tests needed before starting the medications? (Blood, Pulmonary, Heart, Liver, …)
- Are lab tests needed once medication has begun?
- • If so, what types of tests and how often?
- • Who will prescribe the medication and make adjustments if necessary?
- Can we use medication alternatives?
- • Are there any alternatives to medication we could try first?
- • Alternative medicine doctors or clinics
- • Therapy interventions
- • Natural remedies/Homeopathic
- • How will we tell if an alternative is working, or is not working?
- • What would be our next step?
- What if no medication is suggested?
- • What is being recommended?
- • Who do we follow up with/Where do we go?
- • Who will judge their progress or lack of progress?
- • What is the process if they are still in crisis?
- What if I need help understanding all of this?
- A Peer Navigator can assist you in understanding medications and treatment for your child/youth and to communicate your families’ needs to ensure your families’ voice is heard. To talk to a Peer Navigator call us at AYFN.
