Deciding whether to start your child on medication can be a difficult decision. Below we have printable information on the use of specific medications in children and youth.
Medications for treating mental illnesses are also sometimes called psychiatric medications. These medications are used to treat the symptoms of many mental illnesses. These medications are prescribed by doctors, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, and are often used with other treatments such as counselling or psychotherapy. They can play and important role in treating many mental illnesses.
When discussing the use of psychiatric medications with your doctor, open communication can help to find the right psychiatric medication(s) for you child or youth. To learn more about medications for mental illnesses, listen to our podcast on this topic.
Medications will not produce the same effect in all children/youth.
Changes in dose(s) and/or psychiatric medication(s) are not unusual and may help in reducing the negative health and well-being effects on your child/youth.
All medications, including herbal supplements and over the counter medications, as well as other forms of treatment, should be discussed with your doctor. If these treatments are used in combination with psychiatric medications there may be drug interactions or side effects that may be dangerous for your child.
Ask your doctor for clarification on anything you don’t understand. Communication supports shared decision-making and improves treatment outcomes.
What is the name of the medication? Are there generic versions? Are different brands all the same?
What is the medication supposed to do? How it can help address the symptoms?
Why are you recommending this medication for my child over other ones on the market?
How and when should my child take it?
How much should my child take?
What if my child cannot swallow a pill, are there any other options?
What should I do if my child misses a dose?
When and how should my child stop taking it?
Will it interact with other medications my child is taking?
Does my child need to avoid any types of food or drink while taking the medication? What should they avoid?
Should it be taken with or without food?
What are the risks of drinking alcohol or using substances while taking this medication?
What are the side effects? What should I do if my child experiences them? What signs/changes (physical, feelings, daily routines) in our child should we be aware of while they are on psychiatric medications?
How can I explain the possible effects of taking psychiatric medications to my child?
What should I do if I suspect my child is not taking their medication as prescribed?
Is there a handout regarding the medication for me to take home?
Where can I find more reliable information about the psychiatric medication or who can I talk to if I have concerns/questions about the medications?
Benzodiazepines is a group of medications used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, seizure disorders, symptoms of catatonia, to promote sleep, and for several other purposes.
Buprenorphine extended-release injection (Sublocade®) is a medication that belongs to a group of medications called opioid agonist therapy (OAT). It is primarily used for the management of adults with moderate to serve opioid dependence.
Buprenorphine-Naloxone (Suboxone®) is a medication that belongs to a group of medications called opioid agonist therapy (OAT). It is primarily used for the management of adults with moderate to serve opioid dependence.
Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCD).
Gabapentin anti-seizure medication for adults. Gabapentin is not approved by Health Canada for use in children and adolescents. However, there is evidence to support the use of gabapentin in adults with neuropathic pain, anxiety, restless legs syndrome, cannabis use disorder, and alcohol use disorder.
Explains the possible signs and reasons why a child may not take medication as prescribed. Includes suggestions for how to talk with your child and your health care team when it is suspected a child is not taking their medication.
Methylphenidate is used for mental and behavioural symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including difficulties paying attention, impulsive behaviour and hyperactivity.
Olanzapine is an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and symptoms associated with mood and anxiety disorders.
Paliperidone is used for treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, management of acute mania in bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Prazosin is for the treatment of nightmares associated with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hypertension, and Raynaud’s phenomenon (temporary discoloration of fingers/toes in cold environments) in children and adolescents.
Pregabalin belongs to a group of medications called analgesics and is primarily used for the management of nerve pain and fibromyalgia in adults. It is sometimes used for treatment of anxiety in adolescents when standard treatments are not helpful or tolerated.
Propranolol is used for the treatment of restlessness (called akathisia), high blood pressure (hypertension), prevention of migraine headaches, heart rhythm abnormalities and several other conditions in children and adolescents.
Quetiapine is an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia, autism symptoms, depression, anxiety disorders and other conditions.
Topiramate is an anti-seizure and mood stabilizer medication used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, behavioural disorders, alcohol dependence and in the prevention of migraine headaches.
Traditional Antidepressants are antidepressant medications used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, ADHD, depression, nerve-related pain disorders, OCD and sleep disorders.
Traditional Antipsychotics are antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medications used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, tic disorders, autism symptoms and behavioural disorders.
Valproic acid/divalproex is an anti-seizure and mood stabilizer medication used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, behavioural disorders and in the prevention of migraine headaches.
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication used in the treatment of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other anxiety disorders.
Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia, autism symptoms, bipolar disorder and tourette syndrome.
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