The Science of Medication and Its Impact on Child Development

People usually consider medication as something that helps us conquer a disease, relieve pain, and make our lives a bit better overall. That is unless the tinfoil hat is a part of your daily garment.

But, have you ever wondered how those tiny pills can shape your child’s growth? Would they help them or do more damage in the long run?

When it comes to children, medication becomes far more than “take two every six hours”. We will explore the science behind these questions and doubts. 

The main problem with child medication is a lack of valid research, which is done on adults. While considering children tiny adults can work for some things like clothes shopping, it does not work the same with medication.

Children’s organs are still developing, their metabolic system is quite different than that of an adult. Their liver and kidneys, essential in breaking down and eliminating medication from the organism, can handle certain drugs differently.

We could consider a kid’s metabolism as an unreliable internet connection. Some things take a bit longer to load, and some other times, the system processes things too quickly. This unpredictability makes it tricky to determine the right dosage. Too much, and you risk harmful side effects. Too little, and the medication won’t do its job.

A child's brain undergoes constant change, especially in the early years. Connections form, grow, and strengthen. Medication that affects the central nervous system, such as antidepressants, ADHD treatments, or anticonvulsants, can alter these processes.

Imagine trying to fix a car’s engine while it’s running. That’s essentially what medication does to a growing brain. The goal is to address the immediate issue, like a chemical imbalance or a seizure disorder, without messing up long-term development. Researchers are still figuring out how to achieve this delicate balance.

There is no doubt that certain medication transforms lives.
Stimulants like Ritalin (methylphenidate) can help children with ADHD focus and have better impulse control. Many parents have also reported great improvements in their child’s behavior and academic performance. Kinda like seeing a blurry photo come into focus.

Anticonvulsants reduce or eliminate seizures in children with epilepsy. This not only improves the daily lives of children, it can quite literally save them. Antibiotics help children fight bacterial infections which, in the past, might have been fatal.

No medication comes without risks. Side effects range from mild, like nausea, to severe, like liver damage. In rare cases, medication can trigger allergic reactions. The tricky part is that children can’t always articulate their feelings. A five-year-old isn’t going to say, “Mom, I think my liver enzymes are elevated.”

Some medications can slow growth. For example, long-term use of corticosteroids can affect height. But the effects are usually temporary. Once the child stops taking the medication, growth catches up.

Doctors often weigh the risks and benefits carefully before prescribing these drugs. Growth charts and regular check-ups can help monitor any changes, ensuring that the child stays on track developmentally.

Long-term use of certain medications raises additional concerns. For example, some studies suggest that extended use of stimulants for ADHD might affect growth. Others question whether early exposure to psychiatric drugs increases the risk of mental health issues later in life.

Some experts claim that children are prescribed medication too quickly, leading to overmedication. They argue that often doctors and parents rush to medication when lifestyle changes and behavioral therapy could work just as well.

As we mentioned above, there are many legal and practical problems with research involving children. Putting kids at unnecessary risk is frowned upon, making clinical trials with kids usually smaller and less comprehensive.

This means that many medications used for children rely on data from studies with adults. Doctors then adjust dosages based on a child’s weight or age, a method that isn’t always perfect. Picture trying to bake a cake using instructions for brownies. You might end up with a decent dessert, but it’s not exactly what you were aiming for.

That’s why doctors stay up-to-date on the latest findings. Organizations like the FDA and WHO play a vital role in regulating and approving drugs, ensuring they meet strict safety standards. Advocacy for more pediatric-focused research continues to grow, highlighting the unique needs of children.

“It takes a village to raise a child.”

This is also true with medication. Parents have firsthand knowledge of their child’s behavior and health history, while doctors contribute with medical expertise and guidance. Open communication is essential, as well as having a will to ask tough questions.

• “Is this medication really necessary?” should be the first question.

• “What are the alternatives?” should be the second.

• And let’s not forget the follow-up: “What happens if we do nothing?”

Doctors also need to explain the risks and benefits in plain language. No one wants to hear a monologue filled with medical jargon. “This might make them sleepy, but it’ll stop the seizures” is much easier to understand than “somnolence is a potential side effect.”

Also, read the label. Seriously. Giving the wrong dose or skipping doses can cause problems. Use the measuring spoon or syringe that comes with the medicine. Eyeballing it isn’t accurate. Stick to the prescribed schedule and avoid sharing medications between siblings, even if their symptoms seem similar.

Medication isn’t always the best or only option. Sometimes non-drug interventions like behavioral therapy, dietary changes, and routine adjustments can help.

For example, a structured routine and positive reinforcement could be more helpful for children with ADHD than jumping straight to stimulants. Some parents rely on natural remedies and supplements, but this reliance comes with its own set of risks.

Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe or effective. Arsenic is natural, but you wouldn’t sprinkle it on your cereal.

Some medications spark more debate than others.

Vaccines, for example, remain a hot topic. While science about them is clear and supports their safety and effectiveness, misinformation spreads faster than the flu in kindergarten.

Medication Under Scrutiny

Several medications faced controversy regarding their use in children: 

• Paroxetine (Paxil/Seroxat): Prescribed to adolescents to treat depression, it was revealed by studies that this medication carries an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in younger users. In 2003, the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency advised against its use in individuals under 18.

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Beyond paroxetine, other SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) have been scrutinized. In 2004, the U.S. FDA issued their strictest caution called the “black box” warnings regarding the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Several lawsuits claim that there is a link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and the development of autism spectrum disorders in children. Check out the Tylenol autism lawsuit for more information about this topic.

Medication can be a game-changer for children. It helps them focus, fight seizures and infections, and much, much more. But it’s not all smooth ride. Every pill comes with a question. Should we do it? Will it help? What are the risks? It there anything else we could try first?

Parents and doctors need to team up here. Parents know their kids bes. What they like, what they hate, what’s “off” with them. Doctors bring medical know-how. Together, they can figure out what works.

And yes, ask questions. Lots of them. “Do we really need this?” and “What happens if we skip it?” are fair game. Oh, and read the label. Seriously. Guessing the dose is like playing darts blindfolded. Don’t do it.

Medication is far from perfect, but it’s not a villain in this story either. It is a tool. And it must be used wisely.