From the Guidelines
Foster parents caring for children on psychotropic medications should prioritize consistent medication administration, close monitoring of side effects, and regular communication with healthcare providers to ensure the child's safety and wellbeing. When caring for children taking psychotropic medications, including ADHD stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall, antipsychotics like Risperdal or Abilify, mood stabilizers like Lithium or Depakote, and antidepressants like Prozac or Zoloft, it is essential to follow the prescribed medication regimen closely 1. Some key tips for foster parents include:
- Maintaining a consistent daily routine for medication administration, ideally at the same times each day, to help the child adjust to the treatment plan and minimize potential side effects 1.
- Keeping detailed records of medication administration, including dosages, times, and any observed side effects, to facilitate effective communication with healthcare providers and ensure continuity of care 1.
- Monitoring the child for common side effects associated with their specific medications, such as:
- Appetite suppression and sleep difficulties with ADHD stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall 1.
- Weight gain, drowsiness, or unusual movements with antipsychotics like Risperdal or Abilify.
- Regular blood tests to check levels and kidney function with mood stabilizers like Lithium, and liver function monitoring with Depakote.
- Initial agitation or suicidal thoughts, particularly when starting or changing doses, with antidepressants like Prozac or Zoloft.
- Storing all medications securely, especially stimulants with abuse potential, to prevent misuse or accidental ingestion 1.
- Maintaining open communication with the child about their medication experience in age-appropriate terms, and ensuring coordination between all involved parties, including biological parents, case workers, therapists, and schools, to provide comprehensive support and care 1.
- Remembering that medication is typically just one component of treatment, and maintaining consistency with therapy appointments and behavioral interventions to ensure a holistic approach to the child's care 1. By following these guidelines and prioritizing the child's safety and wellbeing, foster parents can play a vital role in supporting the effective management of psychotropic medications and promoting the overall health and quality of life of children in their care.
From the FDA Drug Label
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Oral Solution is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years of age and older. Amphetamines may counteract the sedative effect of antihistamines. Amphetamines may antagonize the hypotensive effects of antihypertensives The tips for foster parents caring for children taking psychotropic medications, including ADHD stimulants like Ritalin (methylphenidate) or Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine), are:
- Monitor medication use: Ensure the child takes the medication as prescribed by the healthcare provider, and keep track of the dosage and administration times.
- Watch for side effects: Be aware of the possible side effects of the medication, such as increased heart rate, headache, anxiety, weight loss, and trouble sleeping, and report any concerns to the healthcare provider.
- Maintain open communication: Keep the healthcare provider informed about any changes in the child's behavior, mood, or physical condition, and ask questions or seek guidance if needed.
- Store medications safely: Keep medications in a safe and secure location, out of reach of children, to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.
- Follow healthcare provider instructions: Adhere to the healthcare provider's recommendations for medication administration, dosage, and any necessary laboratory tests or follow-up appointments.
- Be aware of potential interactions: Inform the healthcare provider about any other medications, supplements, or substances the child is taking, as they may interact with the psychotropic medication.
- Support the child's overall health: Encourage healthy habits, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep, to help the child manage their condition and minimize potential side effects.
- Seek emergency help if needed: In case of an overdose or severe side effects, call the poison control center or seek immediate medical attention. 2 3
From the Research
Tips for Foster Parents Caring for Children Taking Psychotropic Medications
- Be aware of the principles of use, potential side effects, and monitoring parameters of psychotropic medications, including ADHD stimulants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants 4
- Ensure a thorough assessment of the child and family occurs before beginning these medications, and that they are only used in the presence of a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th edition, diagnosis of a mental disorder 4
- Monitor for potential side effects, such as nausea/vomiting and discontinuation due to adverse events with antidepressants, sedation, extrapyramidal side effects, and weight gain with antipsychotics, anorexia and insomnia with anti-ADHD medications, and sedation and weight gain with mood stabilizers 5
- Be aware of the potential for polypharmacy and questionable polypharmacy, particularly among youth with more severe symptoms 6
- Ensure that the child receives regular visits to a psychiatrist, particularly if they are taking multiple medications 6
Trauma Responsiveness and Psychotropic Medication Management
- Foster parents and child welfare staff should strive to be trauma-aware and trauma-responsive when managing psychotropic medication use in children and youth 7
- Trauma-informed principles should be integrated into the care process to avoid inappropriate polypharmacy and ensure that the child's treatment is not fragmented 7
- Child welfare staff should receive training on trauma responsiveness and psychotropic medication management to improve their knowledge, attitudes, and communication behaviors associated with medications used to treat mental health symptoms 7
Safety of Psychotropic Medications in Children and Adolescents
- Some psychotropic medications have a safer profile than others, such as escitalopram and fluoxetine among antidepressants, lurasidone for antipsychotics, methylphenidate among anti-ADHD medications, and lithium among mood stabilizers 5
- Other medications, such as venlafaxine, olanzapine, atomoxetine, guanfacine, and valproate, have raised concerns about their safety in children and adolescents 5
- Foster parents should be aware of the potential risks and benefits of each medication and work closely with the child's healthcare provider to monitor their use and adjust treatment as needed 5