Medication

We took my 6 year old to see Dr. Smith who was absolutely fantastic. We are still concerned that she stims so much and her anxiety about things can be pretty bad. He suggested we can put her on a small dose of Zoloft. He didn't say it's a just; but said it might decrease the stiimming and help her when it comes to changes in routine, new things, etc. the Internet is confusing. For every positive story, is a negative one. I don't want to put her on something that will create more problems, but if it helps he,r even just a bit it would be worth it. I just don't know. I'm also afraid if she's on it now so young, what will happen when she's a teen and really may need it.

What are your thoughts on medication? If you happened to put your child on Zoloft, did it work?

Re: Medication

My DS is not on meds, but I know some parents whose kids are.........often I have noticed they use it moreso on a needed basis.

Or during the school year.


I think it's important to work with a doctor who is going to be open-minded about this kind of thing too, because my general thought as a parent is that meds are always of a last resort.


ESPECIALLY w/ anything that acts right away and can become addictive.

Medication

DD is on a small doze of liquid Prozac. She is doing wonderfully and I think it has helped substantially. Tics are less, she is more flexible, haven't had any major outbursts and she overall more happy. I did a ton of research and I really didn't see any negative or long lasting concerns that raised a red flag to me.

Zoloft, Prozac and drugs like that are not to be taken as an as needed basis as the pp noted. They need to build up in your system so if you take them off you will have to build it back up again. A lot of people do use the as needed basis for ADD/ADHD drugs but ask your doctor, they will be able to give you all the correct information.

Good luck!!

Re: Medication

I am actually studying the different drugs right now for my upcoming social work licensing exam, and overall, this class of meds (anti-depressants) seem to be pretty safe.

It takes several weeks for them to be effective (i.e. less risk of any addiction) and there really are no other side effects noted except loss of libido which is more of an issue for adults not wanting to be on them.

The anti-psychotic, anxiety, bipolar and several ADHD meds are the ones that we should be more mindful of when it comes to potentially dangerous side effects.

But again, you should ALWAYS go by your doctor's recommendations. Also find out about the doctor's process of monitoring.

Every child's body chemistry is different and what works for one child may not be appropriate for another, KWIM?

I also know from my years of working with adults who are on a variety of meds, that being on them often means frequent dosage tweeking, so it's good to have someone involved for the long haul who knows what they are doing.