Medications Commonly Prescribed for Children with Behavior Disorders

stimulants

• Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
• Pemoline (Cylert)
• Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
• Amphetamine (Benzedrine)

Desired effects

Improve attention span; decreases disruptive, inappropriate, and impulsive behavior.

Possible side effects

Reduced appetite and insomnia most common; also possibility of growth inhibition, sadness, irritability, headaches, nervous tics

Antidepressants

• Amitriptyline (Elavil)
• Imipramine (Trofanil)

Desired effects

Treatment of enuresis and school phobia; reduce hyperactivity and depression (in some cases)

Possible side effects

Dry mouth,nausea, and reduced appetite most common; insomnia, tremor, high blood pressure, heart malfunctioning possible at high doses; overdose may lead to poisoning.

Antipsychotics

• Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
• Haloperidol (Haldol)
• Thiothizene (Navane)
• Thioridazine (Mellaril)
• Trifluoperazine (Stelazine)

Desired effects

Reduce maladaptive behaviors such as aggression and hyperactivity; reduce schizophrenic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations

Possible side effects

Impaired cognitive performance, lethargy, apathy, dry mouth, weight gain, increased appetite, enuresis, motor disorders.

Lithium

Desired effects

Treatment of mania, bipolar affective disorder, and other major mood disturbances

Possible side effects

Nausea, fine tremor, excessive urination, loose stools, signs of toxicity are dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, sleepiness, slurred speech

What Teachers can do:

• Monitor student for side effects
• Watch for improvement in focus and activity levels
• Monitor academic output and test performance
• Use behavior modification
• Be patient with drug trials

and:

• Teach social skills
• Work with the school nurse to establish a schedule
• Keep medication in a locked, secure place and document
• Keep in regular contact with parents