Medication Issue: Part II

Some tips I have learned about medication.

• Have a specific medication schedule.  Set the same  time every day.
• Always oversee medication.
• Use different colored weekly med boxes for each different time of day. 
  

Having a specific schedule is so important.  Most of the medication we use have different lengths of time they stay in the body.  Timing is everything.  Some drugs are time released, so will have effects for 12 or 24 hours. Others have shorter life times.   This is important to know when you are documenting behavioral changes or effects of the drugs in a journal.  I often found that a drop in mood would happen during a lapse in meds. This helped us find a medication schedule that worked for my son.  Ask questions about the drugs with your doctor and the pharmacist.

Always oversee medication.  We have used a weekly box for years.  Different colors for different times of the days, however, there were still scary times.  There was a time when he took two sets of meds.  Once he took his night meds in the morning.  Then he would take some and dropped some and I didn't know what he took.  Some of the meds he has CAN NOT be taken twice, it would be dangerous.  I still oversee the medications.  I load the boxes and have him periodically show me what he is taking.  Keeping your child safe is extremely important. 


Expect adjustments to each new meds.  Some of the ones we have used cause him to sleep quite a bit in the first couple of weeks.   Some made him eat more and gain weight.  Our family bought a commercial grade treadmill.  He walks almost everyday for 30 minutes. This helps to keep his weight managed.  We had to do this because he is not sports minded and has trouble going outside for any length of time.  Walking regularly also helps his mood.
Unfortunately, you need to be prepared that some medications may come with complications.  We had one med that caused a heart issue.  Keep your journal and make sure to notify your doctor.  My doctor's persistence in testing for side effects caught the heart issue.

Note:  Hydration is crucial.  I still pack a cooler on days we are out so there is always drinks available.  If he doesn't drink enough, he gets foggy and lethargic.  Anytime he looks this way, I give him a drink, it usually works.   

I have purposely not shared what medications we have tried or used with you.  You see, years ago, someone told me not to put my son on a certain drug.  Her son had a severe reaction.  This scared me to death.  I would not allow anyone to give my son this drug.  Here's the thing, my son is now on the drug and does much better with it in his routine.   I had a great deal of fear to overcome in the beginning.  My doctor, however, always goes over the risks and side affects and checks him if there is concern.  I had to learn to trust him.  A process clogged by pre-conceived ideas and fear.

Remember, the medication journey is unique to each child.  Each child's chemistry is different.  It's a long process of trial and error that takes time and diligence not only on your doctor's part, but on your part as well.  Your input is vital to helping your child achieve the highest functioning level possible. 
Be brave.  Research.  Be informed.  Journal everything.  Know the goal, to help your child achieve his/her highest level of functioning.  Have hope. 

Thanks for stopping by,

Lynne