Medications

Where can I go for tips about talking with my teen about drug use?

I understand that a lot of kids and teens use drugs these days. I am concerned that my teen might be turning to illegal drugs or alcohol. Where can I go for tips about talking with my teen about drug use? Also, where could I find out how his or her medications might interact with other substances?

There are a number of places where you can go and people you can talk to for advice, including your child's school counselor, your local hospital outreach program, your local YMCA, or your church or synagogue. To find out about how his or her medications might interact with other substances, you can talk with your doctor, or other knowledgeable professionals, including your local pharmacist, pharmaceutical companies, or reputable mental health care organizations (such as NAMI or NMHA).

The following are a list of websites that could be helpful:

Where can I learn more about the causes of autism?

I have heard a lot of different explanations of what causes autism. Where can I go to learn more about this subject?

Also browse the content on this site tagged with 'Autism'

 

Where can I go to find information about specific medications?

Where can I go to find information about the medication that my loved one is on?

You can talk with your doctor, or you may want to contact other knowledgeable professionals, including your local pharmacist, pharmaceutical companies, or reputable mental health care organizations (such as NAMI or NMHA). Pharmaceutical and mental health organization websites may also be a good resource. Also, at the Nathanson Family Resource Center, we have a number of books and binders regarding this subject: PEDI_PALS and LEXI-PALS Adult and Pediatric Patient Advisory Leaflet System, as well as other printed materials from the American Psychiatric Association.

New medications seem to be making things worse

My loved one was recently put on a new medication and I am worried that it may be making him or her worse - who should I talk to?

We encourage patients and family members to talk with their doctor about any medication-related questions or concerns they may have.

The pharmacist explained that the drugs need to be authorized and that I might have to pay full price - what does this mean

I went to the pharmacy to fill my loved one's prescriptions upon release from the hospital, but the pharmacist explained that the drugs need to be authorized and that I might have to pay full price - what does this mean, and what should I do?

Some medications are subject to prior authorization as established by one's insurance plan. These medications require verification by the physician who prescribed the medication that the patient meets prior authorization criteria, and then an authorization from the benefit plan before the medication may be dispensed. You should contact your insurance plan for a list of drugs requiring prior authorization. You or your physician may also appeal a denial of a drug or a quantity limitation by contacting your insurance plan.