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Antipsychotics for Child and Teen Bipolar Disorder

What To Think About

Taking medicine

Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. If your child takes medicine as your doctor suggests, it will improve your child's health and may prevent future problems. If your child doesn't take the medicines properly, his or her health (and perhaps life) may be at risk.

There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Reference Taking Medicines as Prescribed.

Advice for women

If your teen is pregnant or breast-feeding, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm the baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that your teen is pregnant or breast-feeding.

Checkups

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

Before your child takes an antipsychotic medicine, be sure to tell your doctor if your child has:

A heart condition.
A seizure disorder.
Problems with liver function.
Problems with blood pressure.
Diabetes or high blood sugar.
Constipation.
A history of breast cancer.
Problems with swallowing.
Problems with fainting.

These medicines should be started in low doses. Talk with your doctor about any other medicines your child may be taking to make sure there are no negative drug interactions.

Your child may require regular liver tests, blood tests, and blood pressure monitoring while taking an antipsychotic medicine. Your doctor may also monitor your child's weight and blood sugar.

Avoid herbal stimulants (such as ma huang, ginseng, or kola) while taking an antipsychotic medicine.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about drinking grapefruit juice while taking an antipsychotic medicine. Grapefruit juice can increase the level of these medicines in your child's blood. Having too much medicine in your child's blood increases the chances of having serious side effects.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you understand this medication.

By:	Reference Healthwise Staff	Last Revised: May 14, 2012
Medical Review:	Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics Reference David A. Axelson, MD - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry