Children love taking pills as much as adults, however many times as with adults they can become fully dependant, suffer side-effects, withdrawl, depression, and suicidal thoughts can occur.

Popular Kid’s Drugs-

Ritalin:

Used to primarily treat ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) Ritalin is designed to help with focus levels. If a child shows lack of patience, nervousness, in-ability to focus or hyper-active behavior then they might need Ritalin.

Side Effects can include aggression, tics, drowsiness, psychotic episodes, and weight loss.

You have to weigh the pros vs the cons in this case. Many times ADD and it’s symptoms are something which any healthy child can be diagnosed with as they tend to bounce off walls when young. 

Prozac:

Typically used to treat Depression, or Anxiety, Prozac is to help level the thought pattern of children. If anxious, nervous or depressed Prozac can help change the way thoughts are processed, and managed.

Side Effects can include weight gain, suicidal thinking, and panic attacks.

Many times therapy or simply spending more time with the anxious or depressed child can help ease symptoms. Meaningful chores and errands can help give a more optimistic outlook for many suffering from depression, who simply may need more attention. In many cases having pets and making sure that the child knows not to use violence against their new friend can help anxiety or depression.

Adderall:

ADHD (Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder) is very much the same as ADD, just worse. Adderall is to provide laser-like focus and attention for remedial tasks and increase Dopamine levels (happiness, or feelings of).

Side Effects can include headache, dizziness, nervousness, irregular heartbeat, and sleep disorder.

Stimulants can become highly addictive for both children and adults requiring careful supervision not only for signs of addiction or abuse, but for alteration of mood, and personality. With increased Dopamine levels (synthetic happiness) naturally as with anything such as eating- this sensation can be desired more frequently over time, thusly abuse may occur. In many cases ‘Attention – Disorders’ can be managed by proper socialization and physical actvities at a young age.

Zoloft-

A perception altering drug, Zoloft has been used to treat OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and Bi-Polar Manic-Depression.

Side Effects can include fever, loss of coordination, hallucinations, mania, and vomiting.

Anti-Depressants are very potent drugs and to be monitored closely as psychotic breakdowns may occur. Many times altered perception of reality and ‘visions’ or ‘voices’ may not be the ideal path for those with Bi-Polar Disorder and can lead to manic-episodes, which can be hard to recover from for many. Especially children. Suitable options for those suffering from OCD, PTSD and Severe Depression can be speaking with the proper person. Simply someone they can absolutely trust, which can be hard to find. In many cases they simply need an ‘anchor’ who they know will be there for them without motive. Also, hard to find but an alternative measure.

[2022]

The International Register