This is NOT a question about whether to medicate or not. I know a lot of you have done extensive research on a variety of medications. I was wondering if anybody has found a good reference website on all drugs.
I’m asking because I know somebody who has just had her child diagnosed bipolar at age five. I question this diagnoses and wonder if really it’s an ad/hd type thing. I know the 2 can get confused and the mother is bipolar. I can’t help but think that this diagnoses is taking place on an emergency basis, based on the mother’s word (who may not be taking her meds), and probably using her diagnoses as a guide due to a hereditary factor. I’ve urged her to get an in depth evaluation and I would like to refer her to a good site to research the medication they’ve put her son on. It’s a med for the bipolar not ad/hd.
Thanks in advance!
Re: drug reference site
How about a book? “Straight Talk about Psychiatric Medications for Kids” by Timothy Wilens. My edition doesn’t have some of the newer meds, like Stattera, and newer formulations like Ritalin LA or Concerta. But there is enough solid information about using meds, and a lot of practical information for parents. It’s possible there is a newer edition than mine, but if not, it’s still a fantastic resource and a solid starting point for getting good information on meds.
Re: drug reference site
Thanks Roxie. I will definitely suggest it but I honestly don’t know if she would take the time to read too much. I may even see if our library has it. This is actually a family member from my husband’s side of the family. I sent the med info from the website to the grandparents of the child. They have offered to take him for awhile but I don’t know that she would go for that. Her own bipolar really makes it difficult. I don’t think she’s even taken that much time to learn about her own problems. Also, making it difficult is they live on the opposite side of the country!
Re: drug reference site
This is a pretty comprehensive site. YOu have to register, but its free.
http://www.medscape.com/pages/editorial/resourcecenters/public/adhd/rc-adhd.ov
Hi.
I’ve heard webMD.com is pretty good but have not used it myself.