Most common meds in pediatric psych inpatient

[Guest321574]

Hi,

I have an upcoming interview at a child/adolescent psychiatric hospital, and in anticipation of some sort of med test, I'm trying to determine what are the most common meds that I might see in this type of facility... Any thoughts, anyone?

Thanks!

[elkpark]

All the same meds you see on adult psych units, plus all the stimulants.

[Guest321574]

Thanks, so there are none in particular that are contraindicated in children?

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors are used with great care with adolescents since there's a belief by some that that increase suicidal ideation. All psych drugs are used with caution in the treatment of children (not that are used without caution in adults!), and it's very important the parents are in agreement with any medication treatment, and that they know all the possible side effects.

[mikayla0813]

The kiddos on my unit are taking these medications: Lithium, Geodon, Trileptal, Seroquel, Depakote, Tenex (not a "psych" med, but still used), Clonidine (same). These are what the Dr. on this unit has ordered most of these kids. I have seen Abilify and Risperdal used an awful lot too. Of course, then you have the stimulants, such as Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Strattera (used for ADHD but not a stimulant, per se). My doctor likes Zyprexa Zydis, Risperdal M-tab's, and Vistaril as PRN. If very aggressive, they usually receive a "cocktail" of sorts...mainly Haldol, Ativan, Benadryl IM. Prozac is also used very effectively with kids who have anxiety disorders/obsessions.

[elkpark]

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors are used with great care with adolescents since there's a belief by some that that increase suicidal ideation. All psych drugs are used with caution in the treatment of children (not that are used without caution in adults!), and it's very important the parents are in agreement with any medication treatment, and that they know all the possible side effects.

There are numerous studies and warnings out there about SSRIs increasing risk of suicide in adolescents and young adults. However, on the unit I work on, the docs order them for the kiddos (even pre-teens) like they're M&Ms.

Everyone talks a good game when it comes to psych meds for kids, but the docs I see are medicating kids like there's no tomorrow (let alone any risk with any of them ...) , same as the adult docs do with adults. V. sad.

[mikayla0813]

:up:True....couldn't IMAGINE my kids on these types/dosage of meds!

[Guest321574]

Thanks for the replies!