Lesson 3 - Stereotypes, Labels, Sample Size, and Side Effects
Approved Psychiatric Medications for Children in Canada
Approved Psychiatric Medications for Children in Canada
Note the side effects of each drug and how the drug works. Be aware that not every individual experiences the side effects associated with each medication.
| Name of Drug | How it Works | Side Effects | Target Age |
| Concerta | To reduce hyperactivity and inattention, this drug keeps neurons immersed in norepinephrine and dopamine. | Stomach pain, headache, sleeplessness, and, in rare cases, overstimulation | Approved for children aged 6 to 12 with ADHD |
| Ritalin | The active agent, methylphenidate, stimulates the brain to filter and prioritize incoming information. | Insomnia, nervousness, headache, decrease in appetite, and irritability | Approved for children with ADHD, 6 years and older |
| Lithium | This drug stabilizes episodes of elated and intensely joyous moods associated with mania. | Loss of appetite, nausea, and hand tremors | Cautiously prescribed pediatrically for bipolar disorder and as an agent for suicide prevention |
| Prozac | This antidepressent is aimed at regulating serotonin levels. | Weight loss, anxiety, insomnia, mania, and nervousness | Cautiously prescribed for children |
| Depakote | This anti-seizure medication is also used for treating the grandiose and hyper-agitated state of mania. | Nausea, headache, drowsiness, and white blood cell abnormalities | Cautiously used to treat childhood bipolar mania and seizures |
| Zyprexa | This mood stabilizer is designed to balance levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. | Dry mouth, seizures, weight gain, and drowsiness | Cautiously prescribed pediatrically for bipolar disorder, psychotic depression, and schizophrenia |
Regarding drug therapy, many experts believe that medications are most effective when combined with counselling. For children with minor symptoms (for example, those who are sombre but not depressed, those who are fidgety but not hyperactive, those who demonstrate repetitive behaviours but are not obsessive-compulsive), the advantages and disadvantages of using drugs are not always obvious.
Health care professionals must be careful with assessments of such children. Using medication to control or regulate “normal” variations in behaviour may be unnecessary, inappropriate, and/or unethical.