MWM, our boys have been tried on Zoloft, for the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) component of their Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). difficult child 1 is still on Zoloft, it makes a huge difference to him. The doctor tried to get him onto risperdal instead, but it made him very fat and very sleepy, without enough benefit to outweigh those disadvantages.
With difficult child 3 - he was 5 when tried on Zoloft. It really helped - for the first day. Then the problems caused by lack of sleep began to undo any benefit. After three days of him swinging from the ceilings we took him off Zoloft. Later we tried Luvox - he got a classic urticaria allergic reaction.
We did also have difficult child 3 on risperdal, it didn't make him sleepy and didn't seem to make him gain weight, although he lost weight when we finally took him off it. It just wasn't having enough benefit to justify the cost.
Dara, I know it's scary to think of our babies being medicated so much, but you need to concentrate on what Temple Grandin calls the WOW factor. If you try a medication and don't notice much change, if it's all a bit ho-hum, then seriously consider dropping it (unless the doctor gives you really good reasons to stick with it). But if you try a medication, no matter how unusual, and you notice an amazing improvement, almost miraculous response - then that is worth keeping.
So much of the time with our Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) kids we're shooting in the dark, hoping to hit something. It's a steep learning curve. I've had teachers of difficult child 3 who have told me on first meeting, "I studied Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), I know all about it," or "I have two sons on the autism spectrum, I really understand," and at the end of their first day they've said to me, "Wow! He IS different, isn't he?"
Not that they dispute the Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) - it's quite obvious - but every child can be so different, which means that for so many, the medication regime they're on can also vary a great deal.
difficult child 3 goes to a drama class for Special Education kids. While a number of those kids have other disorders, or are definitely not Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), a great number are. While the kids are in drama class the parents sit in the next room drinking coffee and chatting; an informal support group. We've talked about medications and I would say about a third of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) kids are on risperdal, another third or more are on some form of antidepressant, some on this as well as risperdal. About half are also on ADHD medications (stims).
We do what works. And if you meet, like I have, parents who say to you, "And what is your opinion on those stupid parents who drug their children into submission?" then have your answer ready. You will find them. Probably in your own family.
Word of advice - don't tell mother in law about the zoloft. And warn your husband to keep his mouth shut about it as well. It will only give her more ammunition, more reasons to be unpleasant. And you can all do without that.
Don't feel bad. Feel pro-active.
Marg