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How do you get brave enough to wean off a medication or try a new one?
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<blockquote data-quote="slsh" data-source="post: 393392" data-attributes="member: 8"><p>This was one of the most frustrating parts of raising my difficult child. I called it pharmacologic roulette because you just never knew what you were going to get with- a medication change. Seems like each medication can have a different effect for each kid - there's no 1 size fits all. *Extremely* frustrating. I finally realized that medication management is more art than science and the very best prescribing psychiatrists were the ones who truly listened to not only husband and I, but also thank you, and who were willing to think a bit outside the box (just our experience). </p><p></p><p>I went into this totally anti-medication, but then we had several hospitalizations due to homicidal/suicidal behaviors within a few short months and... something had to give. Starting out, I trusted his outpatient psychiatrist and was willing to follow her recommendations. We had a really horrendous reaction to Ritalin resulting in yet another hospitalization and after that I got a bit more diligent about reading up on medications myself and picking the brains of the good folks on the board. </p><p></p><p>As far as when we stopped a medication, if it had no effect (would wait until next psychiatrist appointment to discuss) or if it had a negative effect (immediate call to psychiatrist for instructions on discontinuing medication).</p><p></p><p>When to switch or add a new medication? The majority of the time, that was the result of another hospitalization (averaged an admit every 3 months for over 3 years). I knew medications weren't going to "fix" things. They were a tool. But when thank you got so dangerous that we couldn't manage him at home, it was time for at least a try at either another combo or a higher dose of what he was already on.</p><p></p><p>I understand your concerns about Risperdal, but I think something else to consider before you decide to discontinue it right now is that the holiday season for most of our kids is extremely rough. The anticipation and disruption in schedules can just play havoc. on the other hand - if you're not sure it is having an effect.... I think Shelly's suggestion to wait until Christmas break to make a change is a good one. You're going to be able to keep a much closer eye on him.</p><p></p><p>It's really hard to know what to do, when to do it, and if you're making the right choice. Unfortunately, in our experience with- thank you, it was trial and error at best. </p><p></p><p>Hang in there!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="slsh, post: 393392, member: 8"] This was one of the most frustrating parts of raising my difficult child. I called it pharmacologic roulette because you just never knew what you were going to get with- a medication change. Seems like each medication can have a different effect for each kid - there's no 1 size fits all. *Extremely* frustrating. I finally realized that medication management is more art than science and the very best prescribing psychiatrists were the ones who truly listened to not only husband and I, but also thank you, and who were willing to think a bit outside the box (just our experience). I went into this totally anti-medication, but then we had several hospitalizations due to homicidal/suicidal behaviors within a few short months and... something had to give. Starting out, I trusted his outpatient psychiatrist and was willing to follow her recommendations. We had a really horrendous reaction to Ritalin resulting in yet another hospitalization and after that I got a bit more diligent about reading up on medications myself and picking the brains of the good folks on the board. As far as when we stopped a medication, if it had no effect (would wait until next psychiatrist appointment to discuss) or if it had a negative effect (immediate call to psychiatrist for instructions on discontinuing medication). When to switch or add a new medication? The majority of the time, that was the result of another hospitalization (averaged an admit every 3 months for over 3 years). I knew medications weren't going to "fix" things. They were a tool. But when thank you got so dangerous that we couldn't manage him at home, it was time for at least a try at either another combo or a higher dose of what he was already on. I understand your concerns about Risperdal, but I think something else to consider before you decide to discontinue it right now is that the holiday season for most of our kids is extremely rough. The anticipation and disruption in schedules can just play havoc. on the other hand - if you're not sure it is having an effect.... I think Shelly's suggestion to wait until Christmas break to make a change is a good one. You're going to be able to keep a much closer eye on him. It's really hard to know what to do, when to do it, and if you're making the right choice. Unfortunately, in our experience with- thank you, it was trial and error at best. Hang in there! [/QUOTE]
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How do you get brave enough to wean off a medication or try a new one?
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