What do I need to know about medicating or not medicating my youth?

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 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.