Freeman recommends that the physician should be prepared for a potential barrage of questions by the enlightened parent consumer. Such questions may include any or all of the following:
- How do drugs change behaviour?
- My child has brain damage. Will he react differently?
- Should something else be tried first?
- Which behaviour should be treated first?
- How quickly will the drug take effect?
- Are drugs abused by teachers? Institutions?
- What are the different kinds of drugs?
- What changes can I expect at adolescence?
- Are all brands the same?
- How long will she have to take the drug?
- How many drugs can he take at the same time?
- How many times a day does she need to take it?
- How do the drug doses differ from adults’?
- What time does he take them in relation to meals?
- Are drug samples ok?
- Should parents adjust dosage?
- Should drugs be discontinued suddenly?
- Why do stimulants slow down hyperactivity?
- Will she become addicted to this or other drugs?
- What side-effects can I expect?
- Do other drugs interact with this one?
- What side-effects mean that we should stop giving the drug?
- What examinations or blood tests will he have to take? How often?
- Will she become dazed or “out of it”?
- Will it slow down his learning?
- When will you want to change dosage?
- Will it affect her nutrition?
A simple time-saving technique that may anticipate most questions is to provide the family with a drug information pamphlet. The parents should be advised to read the pamphlet and then to ask questions.
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