Comments on: Making the Choice to Medicate Your Child

By: Sharla Kostelyk

Sharla Kostelyk — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 17:05:54 +0000

In reply to Michelle. I'm glad to hear that your experience was a positive one. It really is a roller coaster though, isn't it?!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 00:41:08 +0000

Excellent post!!! Our choice to medicate our son came after yet another ruined social situation in which behavior dominated and left us isolated from any type of engagement and fun with our hosts. On the way home my husband said we medicate no debate. Best decision we ever made. It was tough to make the decision then the guilt afterwards of not doing it for so long was overwhelming. That was 5 years ago we have tried several since. It is a stressful roller coaster but a very necessary ride. Thank you for this.

By: Sleep Solutions for Children with Sensory Needs

Sleep Solutions for Children with Sensory Needs — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 14:46:11 +0000

[…] other options. They may suggest that it is time to try Melatonin or prescription sleep medications. Choosing to medicate your child is a difficult decision for any parent and not to be taken lightly, but sleep is an important part […]

By: R

Mon, 28 Dec 2015 23:42:55 +0000

In reply to Delana Stewart.

Hi Delana,
Impulse control (or rather the complete lack of it) is completely ruling my child’s life. I was wondering what medication your daughter was on that helped with this? I would like to ask our behavioral specialist about it.
Thank you!

By: Ami

Ami — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 02:40:38 +0000

In reply to Rochelle Marsh. Rochelle, Our daughter also has the dx of PTSD with dissociation and RAD. She started on Risperdal (an anti-psychotic) and it made a WORLD (I MEAN WORLD) of difference in the violent, aggressive behaviors. We've also done a ton of DDP therapy along with EMDR. We are starting another med soon for seizures; I am nervous it will somehow interfere with the good that Risperdal has done.

By: Beth

Beth — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 02:06:05 +0000

We are standing at this intersection right now. Thank you for your perspective.

By: Sharla

Sharla — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 17:03:40 +0000

In reply to C.C..

I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through all of this. I never thought I would make the decision to medicate either until there really was no other option and it’s so hard. I find that for all of my kids, but particularly for my kids who have FASD, sensory work has helped a lot. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have or point you in the direction of some helpful articles.

P.S. We just had to make this decision again this week for one of our sons and it was just as hard this time even though we’ve walked down this road before with other kids.

By: C.C.

C.C. — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 16:17:34 +0000

I am weeping openly as I read this, because it hits so close to home for us. We have had to make the hard choice of medicating two of our children, one adopted and one biological, for different reasons. It sounds like we are dealing with some similar issues as you–Aspergers, ADHD, FASD, and Anxiety. (I’d love to find out more about your experiences with FASD–I can hardly find a doctor who’s even aware of it, as it’s not an “official” diagnosis, but it is most certainly what we are dealing with.) In these situations, there’s just no room for judgement. Before I lived through our experiences, I thought I would NEVER medicate a seven year old child. Now I know that I will do whatever it takes to help my child be healthy, happy and safe.

By: Mindy C

Mindy C — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 02:03:51 +0000

It’s a difficult decision to make whether or not to medicate children even with a serious medical condition. All 3 of my sons were born with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic lung disease that requires many medications to control along with chest percussive therapy (CPT) which is performed several times a day. Our middle son passed away at 8 days old, but our other 2 boys are still fighting it. We usually try increasing CPT and nebulizer treatments before adding in any new medications or antibiotics when they are sick, but often the antibiotics are the only thing that works. My oldest son has reached the point where he has to be admitted to the hospital for 2 weeks at a time, 2 times per year to receive IV antibiotics. We don’t like doing it, but it’s what’s best for him to try to keep him healthy. You should not feel guilty for doing what you feel is best for your children.

By: KM Logan

KM Logan — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 12:49:53 +0000

Thank you so much for sharing your story. There is no doubt it will help other mom’s out there. My father did his master’s thesis on behavioral issues in children from a Christian’s perspective and based on personal study (for my own college term papers, although I’m certainly not claiming expertise here) I do think there is an over medication issue in this country. BUT, and this is a big BUT, for every child and adult who is on medication and doesn’t need it there is a child or adult who should be on medication but isn’t because of personal convictions, finances, or poor medical care.

Unfortunately we had a huge tragedy strike very close to home, that could have been completely prevented if the woman involved hadn’t stopped taking her medication because she couldn’t afford it. Medication is sometimes needed period, but I absolutely agree it should be a last resort. When that point arrives (and even before) there is zero shame, period.