What is your view on medication?

Anita - posted on 06/23/2010

I think the way you do too, but society is led to believe unfortunately that you go to the doctor as soon as your child is coughing etc. I personally am against immunisation for the simple reason that it causes irreversible nuerological damage. Too many medications also interrupt the immune system. My two 1 year olds have had a cold and cough for a few days but I just let them fight it on their own. They eat well and get a lot of exercise and sunlight.



Forgot to add that... my children have NEVER had any type of medication whatsoever and are extremely healthy. Actually this is only the second cold they have had and they are 12 and 22 months. To be honest the onlyt ime they have seen a doctor is for their 6 week check ups.

Kappy - posted on 06/23/2010

Wow, well I guess I am just the "different" one here, but I DO give my son over-the-counter medicine when he is experiencing symptoms that are making life uncomfortable for him. He is NOT less than 2, but when he was, if he couldn't breathe from a stuffy nose, I wanted to clear that up with medicine. They had baby Sudafed and I used it!



I give Tylenol or Advil if he has a fever or has injured himself & is in pain (headache, pulled muscle) but this doesn't happen very often, so I don't see any problem with using these medicines as intended.



I use Antibiotics when the pediatrician prescribes them. Because HE is the doctor, not me! I can't believe there are people out there who go to the doctor with their sick child and then do NOT do what he/she says to do to make them better. "I have had a ton of scrips written and only filled one..." WHAT??? If you think your child does not need the antibiotics, TALK with your doctor about it! Don't just take the prescription, giving the impression that you will administer the medicine as prescribed, and then NOT do it!



My son is quite healthy and we have needed antibiotics only for strep throat so far. I have been to the doc for other illnesses when I left with a prescription to be filled only in the case of his illness worsening... perhaps that is what some others are doing when they say they have not filled their prescriptions. But I strongly believe that medicine has been developed to help people. I think it is a good idea to get vaccinations, which keeps kids from getting illnesses, and to take prescribed medications. If your child is sick enough to take him/her to the doctor, then do what the doc says to help the child recover. Over-the-counter medicines should be used as needed. A parent just needs to use common sense when deciding if OTC medicine is appropriate.

Lauren - posted on 06/23/2010

I am with you on that!! My children do not get vaccines, fever reducing medications, or any other drugs. They have never needed antibiotics. :) I keep their immune systems strong and developing normally and properly through fullterm nursing, good nutrition, plenty of sleep, and not trying to keep them in a germless bubble!
Regarding cleaning products, we use natural ones as well. :)

Denise - posted on 06/22/2010

I must agree with you 100%. Medications can and do interrupt the immune system. I too vear away from medications and normally stick to only natural remedies. We have found that EFT is wonderful for pain and we use a lot of homeopathic types of remedies. Mercola.com is a great resource for natural remedies for everything and boosting ones immune system. Good luck and don't let anyone tell you not to do what you feel is in the best interest of your kids and step-kids.

Julie - posted on 06/22/2010

OTC Meds to a minimum (if at all).....most meds don't actually accomplish anything other than making the children comfortable. I am not a big fan of prescriptions, but when my 5 year old got Lyme's disease with associated Bell's Palsey, I deferred to the pediatrician's expertise in the area (why have a doctor you don't trust) and did the full course of antibiotic AND prednisone to ally any future issues with the Bell's Palsey. Using natural cleaners is a BIG plus.....it is a scientific fact that we are "cleaning ourselves to death"....80,000 new chemicals since WWII, many in cleaning products. Even when we don't use them, they are outgassing in our cabinets. We need to protect our children but medicating them is not usually the best first line of defense. It heartens me to see so many moms on the same page...GO MOMS!!!

Cara - posted on 06/22/2010

We see a doctor when there is an urgent health issue but typically we see a naturopathic doctor and it has been wonderful for my daughter!!!

Georgia - posted on 06/22/2010

I agree.
I use antibiotics and painkillers as a last resort.
We focus on hydration and immune boosting foods and supplements first. Often a trip to the Osteopath for a body alignment gets our natural immunity a boost too.
I like to help our bodies help ourselves rather than do all the work with a pill or potion.
I am learning more about homeopathy and really like the philosophy and practicality of it.

Lissette - posted on 06/22/2010

Totally agree!

Christina - posted on 06/22/2010

Most of my kids are teenagers now, but I have always believed, and taught them, that medication is only for dire illness. All 4 of them eat a vitamin a day... me too... and if they have a fever, I will give them Tylenol. There have been some necessary antibiotics, but not many. I always ask the doctor, "is there any other way to treat this?" or "Will this go away on its own?" Sometimes it is necessary. I think it's better to use them in moderation. And now my teenagers don't go looking for some pill to make things better! :)

Justyna - posted on 06/22/2010

I agree 100% with you....you will not even find Tylenol in my house ...I use homeopathic stuff when absolutley neccessary! I buy organic food and try as much as possible to stay away from harsh chemicals to clean house. Our bodies are poisoned enough through outside environment ....so the least we can do is try to save our selves and our families. :) keep it up!!!

Vanessa - posted on 06/22/2010

Agreed. But medication is there for a reason. If you find a pediatrician who respects your feelings and work closely with him or her, you can provide your children with the medication they NEED.

Elvie De Guia - posted on 06/22/2010

I agree with you. Medicines have side effects and can harm other systems of the body, thereby interrupt the immune system. I want my family to practice clean, natural and healthy living...proper diet, good exercise, regular check-up and prayers of course.

Sherri - posted on 06/22/2010

I always give my kids tylenol before there shots it helps with the discomfort. I always give cold medicine and cough medicine for colds, I always give tylenol for fevers, headaches and when they aren't feeling well, I always give benedryl for poison ivy. However, no I don't run to the doctors unless they are really sick or it is something that I am really concerned about.

Tanasha - posted on 06/22/2010

@Jenni

I do much the same. Unless it is obvious they are in serious discomfort, in which case I may grab a dose of Tylenol or Motrin at my pediatrician's suggestion..though i still won't go overboard, usually keeping it to a single dose or two in a 24hr period.

Jenni+shane - posted on 06/22/2010

i agree i only give medication to my daughter and my self when really have to. i only given by one year old pandol about three time. a friend of mind has given her daughter medication just before her needles dont think need to my girl has never had medication after needles sure is little unsettle i just give her more cuddles and tummy

Tanasha - posted on 06/22/2010

I think it depends on the situation. What I think is amusing is so many of you tout this "natural" lifestyle... so I am assuming you mean you use "herbals" to treat illnesses... yet, don't seem to be aware that just because something is "natural" does NOT mean "safe!" Just because its an herb rather than something created in a lab does not make it any safer.. many herbs are toxic in too high of levels, not to mention that many are NOT studied regularly to determine what the "correct" dosage is, or only certain parts are toxic.. how do you know what part is going into the herbs you give? I don't give excessive medicine, but I don't take my child's health into my own hands either with some unfound paranoia about OTC or prescription medications just because one batch out of how many thousands or millions was botched in some way or another. "Natural" herbal remedies are NOT monitored by the FDA in the same way as other drugs are, which makes them potentially more dangerous. The only difference is it might take a little longer for the negative to show. My daughter was born with reflux and was on Reglan ... for a year. She does not have that tardive dyskenesia or however its spelled, yet there is some class action law suit about it because its believed to be linked.. but even the link is not clear. I was on the Ortho Evera patch for YEARS, and never had an aneurism or anything else that has recently been associated with that particular form of birth control. So my final answer? If it is truly necessary, yes, I give medication, but no I don't run for it every little sniffle.

Jessica - posted on 06/22/2010

Oh, my gosh! Your poor son. Hopefully he is doing fine now? My daughter was (much) later diagnosed with leukemia. She opted for "traditional" treatment, - it didn't work for her. She died nine years ago.

Helen - posted on 06/22/2010

I completly agree unfortunatly ive had experinence , my son now ten had to under go several operations on his glands in his neck because they kept filling up with posion and had to keep being drained . this all because my gp kept giving him antiboitics for mild infections causing his immune sytem to be overloaded and shut down . I now only take him to the gp for antibiotics if its a absoulute must .

Jessica - posted on 06/22/2010

My daughter used to take Tylenol for her raging headaches. Then a nurse told me that the dramatic increase that we are seeing in liver disease is provoked in part by the vast increase in the use of Tylenol. Acetominophen damages the liver.

Jessica - posted on 06/22/2010

I agree! When my son started preschool, he kept coming home with ear infections for six months. When I finally decided to take him off the antibiotics and treat him myself (with herbs), he never got another one! He is now 35. Pharmaceuticals have their place, but are grossly overused and not nearly understood well enough, especially their long-term effects. While it is possible to kill oneself with plants, it's much less likely.

Ellen - posted on 06/22/2010

R u talking over the counter meds. or vaccines too? I did not use much meds for my babies...unless they' were in pain then I used Tylenol. I am not big on vaccines either.

Barb - posted on 06/22/2010

I would contact CPS - those children are going to have serious health issues if they are being given laxatives on a daily basis. Where is their father in all of this? The SM is showing signs of abuse towards your children -- you need to stop her for the sake of your children.

Barb - posted on 06/22/2010

Just curious - why were you giving them Tylenol every other day? Were they sick every other day? I do agree that letting a cold run its course (even if you don't like seeing them sick) is not going to hurt them and will strengthen their immune system in the long run.

Barb - posted on 06/22/2010

My children had antibiotics a told of three or four times when they were growing up - we seldom ever used cough medicine and if they had a headache, I had them drink a glass of water and lay down first. What happened? I have two of the healthiest children ever -- not only do they not get sick very often (strong immune systems), but when they do, they do not run to medicine to clear it up and only go to the doctor when absolutely necessary. Doctors who prescribe antibiotics over the phone or for the common cold should have their licenses revoked. Not only are they compromising the immune systems of these children but we are at risk of developing antibiotic-resistant germ strains. We overmedicate. A fever is not always a bad thing - its a sign that the body is doing its job to fight an infection. Same with a cough - the body is expelling something that doesn't need to be there. Parents need to be diligent about what they give their children. And don't even get me started on candy-flavored medicine - :). Medicine should taste like medicine - that way children won't fake a sore throat to get a "medicated lollipop". That's my soapbox :)

Naomi - posted on 06/22/2010

I think we spend too much time worrying about living in sterile enviroments, a bit of dirt helps build up their natural immune system (not a dirty house though!!). I think over use of antibiotics is not good as it becomes less effective the more it's used, which is why MRSA is hard to shift as its immune to abx's. However, if i suspect my child is running a fever then i definately reach for the calpol, i would rather give than risk a febrile convulsion. Also, we often don't know for sure when a child is in pain, i wouldn't want to be left in pain. Think it's about using common sense, yes i'm against using something for the slightest thing but we are lucky to have such a range of meds so utilise when needed!!

Tamara - posted on 06/22/2010

Hi DeeDee,

I completely agree with you on this subject. Medications suppress the body's natural ability to fight off infections. That is what fevers are about after vaccinations. I have opted for an altered vaccination schedule and only give medication when the fever gets too high. I instead boost my sons immune system with such vitamins as A, C, fish oils and probiotics. This is a subject that is very personal and respect whatever decision Moms make. We love our children and want only the best for them.

God bless all of you and stay strong

Lydia - posted on 06/21/2010

It all depends on the situation -meds can be a positive or negative thing depending on how they are used. They can compromise the system if they are overused but they can help a system that is otherwise struggling to overpower a dis-ease. I prefer to keep it natural where I can but will use meds as and when necessary. As with all things a little common sense can go a long way :)

Iridescent - posted on 06/21/2010

Continual UTI's indicate possible constipation, which would mean laxatives (or stool softeners) would help them. Also, UTI's need treatment with antibiotics, unless you want it to become a kidney infection, or sepsis. They are not to be played with. It sounds like they've been taken to the appropriate doctors and gotten appropriate treatment. Nasonex is given year-round to help decrease inflammation in the sinus cavity and nose, which decreases sinus infections and asthma attacks for those with either issue. It also decreases ear infections, as the first cause of an ear infection is lack of drainage from the ear canal, which drains into a cavity in the nasal/sinus area. Again, it sounds appropriate. Yes, it's the step mother involved, but it appears you refuse to treat the CAUSE of their health concerns. She is, through their father, which is acceptable and legal and really for their own good.

I have 5 kids. We medicate as needed. If one is ill and it's proven (via a lab draw) to need antibiotics, we will give them if it's apparent they cannot fight the infection on their own, or it isn't safe to do so (such as with a UTI). We also give Nasonex and Zyrtec to one of our other children, to prevent his severe asthma attacks. And we give Buphenyl, L-Citrulline, Prevacid, Miralax, Cyclinex-2, ProPhree, and Heparin to one of our other children, all as preventative care. When she's ill, she gets labs drawn to determine the cause (viral or bacterial) and either antibiotics, antivirals, plus an antifungal are given.

You may disagree with how your children are being cared for, but you can always ask what the reasons are for it, are they using the least invasive approach to treat the cause of the problem, is it helping or not, and what else can be done. It truly sounds like their care is appropriate.

Tasha - posted on 06/21/2010

when my step sister was a child, her mother fed her medications on an hourly basis, she now has very little immunity and has to recieve transfusions every week. I believe they should be exposed to germs and bacteria without medications since that will make their immunity much stronger in the long run.

DeeDee - posted on 06/20/2010

I have tried fighting but since she is married and he allows her to there is not much I can do. Since they live with him he is allowed to make that call legally. Kinda stupid but I checked on it.

Tisha - posted on 06/19/2010

Legally step mom shouldn't be taking your kids to the doctor. just because they don't live with you doesn't mean that she's their mom. you or their dad should be taking them. i would call the doctor's office and tell them that you are their mother and that she isn't allowed to bring them to the doc. the doc shouldn't be allowing anyone to bring your children unless you have given written permission. the only time my pediatrician gives my kids meds is if they have a staph outbreak. they are both colonized. we try to use vitamins and other natural remedies but sometimes it just doesn't help. i would really be fighting against her taking them to the doctor.

Leann - posted on 06/19/2010

i honestly agree however i used to give my boys tylonal everyother dAY and now they are never really sick plus i never sheltered them if someone was sick i let my childs immune system kick in because its better when they get sick as babies so the can strengthen their immune system so i was not one of those worry wort moms my kids slept through loud music from day one and i never had to say shhh the baby is sleeping because they loved it thats when they slept the best

DeeDee - posted on 06/19/2010

My children's SM did not change the diet of my children nor took other measures to clear this issue and their ped will just prescribe whatever this woman wants whenever. I so wish I had custody so i could change the doc. will have a Home study and 2nd opinion in July.. I will keep you all updated and i appreciate your help and advice everyone!!!

Liz - posted on 06/18/2010

My son doesn't get sick often, so when his dr prescribes meds it's for something serious so we take them.

As long as your children get vaccinations, I dont see a problem with your stance.

Francesca - posted on 06/18/2010

I agree, and I was fortunate enough to find a pediatrican who agrees. He said that often parents strong arm doctors to make their kids better by bugging them for pills when in most cases, its not necessary. We adore him. He often suggest natural methods for us to use. (Garlic clove for an earache. Camilia for teething, boiled prunes and water for constipation, etc...)



So when our Doctor does suggest medication, we trust him enough to do as he suggests.



However, medication is important not to overlook. Maybe because I rely on daily injections I have a different view, but like anything, when used correcly are a very important part of our lives.



As parents, we need to make informed decisions about our family's health. From what pills they are going to take, to the doctors they see. And I always discuss the benefit of a medication with my doctors and pharmacists and if there are alternatives out there.

Emily - posted on 06/18/2010

I just wanted to add that I work in the mental health field and it is rarely the case that a parent seeks medication as a first treatment choice. Most of the time, they've tried everything else they can think of before resorting to medications. I've had more issues with parents simply refusing to consider medication, when it's clear nothing else is working and the child is obviously suffering.

Also, it would be unethical for a doctor or psychiatrist to simply prescribe medications and not recommend therapy or behavioral intervention or whatever else would be necessary, depending on the diagnosis. I'm sure it happens with some doctors, but I would not say that's the norm.

Good Day! - posted on 06/18/2010

Good luck, Sherri!

Sherri - posted on 06/18/2010

He isn't on any medication as of yet. We will be meeting with the psychologist next month. We will have his final testing on it next month. So if they recommend it I won't fight it and I will certainly be speaking up if his personality changes because I will not tolerate that. We are doing it over summer break so that when he goes back in Aug we have all dosages and everything all taken care of before he even starts school. I am very concerned about the lack of appetite as he is only 79 lbs and almost 12. He is on the underweight side as it is. So this could be a really bad side effect for him.

Good Day! - posted on 06/18/2010

Sherri, I hope the medication helps your son in school. Don't be afraid to work with the psychologist or doctor to change the dosage or try a different form of medication. Let the teachers in on what is going on and ask if they will let you know of any unusual behaviors while at school.

When I was teaching, I saw medication take away appetites and personalities. I hated that. But in some other students that were on lower dosages did just fine. One of my students' doctors was having him try a new medication. The change in that student was incredibly drastic, it was scary. He went from a social, happy child to withdrawn and almost depressed within the course of a few days. The medication would wear off by the time he got home, so his mom had no idea. Thankfully she told me they were experimenting with the medication, so I knew that's what was causing the change. I sent her an email and she took him to the doctor immediately to switch back to the old medication.

So all that to say, just give it a shot. If it doesn't work, try something else. And communicate with the doc and teachers. All of which I'm sure you already know. ;)

Sherri - posted on 06/18/2010

I also hate when my kids get a cough or cold. So we do use over the counter cold medicines. I don't agree with them being miserable and just letting them run the course. They can't function when they are in school like that so if they get a bad cold we use dimatap or dayquil. If they have a fever I give them tylenol. I don't run them to the doctors though unless it is really warranted.

My son is now 11 and has pretty much failed the 6th grade we are pretty positive he has ADD. I have always been anti medication for it but he is the one suffering so when we go to the doctor about it next month if they recommend it we are going to try it. It can't make things worse at this point and if it doesn't work I will pull him back off.

Kathy - posted on 06/18/2010

We take antibiotics when we need them and pain meds the same. I refuse to repeat course after course of antibiotics though. The insurance companies like to require that before approving a child having his/her tonsils out. I filled the prescriptions then threw them away. My husband and I take daily maintence meds. Not what we want to do but for our health-it is worth it. Too each their own!

Deborah - posted on 06/18/2010

be sure to let us know how you get on DeeDee. Hope it all works out for you.

DeeDee - posted on 06/18/2010

My ex and I have joint custody temporarily. He leaves the dr visits and such for her to decide and unless I get custody in Sept my hands are kinda tied, I don't have a lawyer, but I will schedule a second opinion when my kids are here in July. Thanks

Teresa - posted on 06/18/2010

DeeDee, my opinion would be to get those kids back in your care ASAP! Who has legal custody? The SM should have NO right to be medicating your children at all. The father, yes, if you share legal custody. I would get a court order forbiding her from giving your children ANYTHING medicinal other than the occasional Tylenol for serious pain or fever. Good luck w/ that!!

As for me and medicines... we avoid antibiotics whenever possible. My girls were on allergy meds for 1.5 years as toddlers for an unknown allergy. I hated giving it to them and didn't anytime their reactions were either super mild or weren't going away w/ the meds. Then we found out the cause of the allergy and NO more meds. :) We do probably use more Tylenol for the average household, but the girls and I are prone to frequent headaches. I don't medicate fevers unless it's over 102/103 or the child is SUPER miserable w/ a lower grade temp.

Deborah - posted on 06/18/2010

Other than my daughters viral triggered asthma (possibly cause she was a preemie) she is very healthy. my house is not spotless. She if quite often found digging in flower beds (as was I when I was young). Kids need to develop an immune system you can't wrap them in cotton wool forever.

I only take my kid to the doc when she gets a cold because of her medical condition, and only after I think its working into her chest. If its just a cold thats running its course and behaving then I let it be, if she starts getting that chesty mucusy cough off to the docs I go.

Shannen - posted on 06/18/2010

And my house is by no means Spotless. My kids roll and play in the dirt and roll around with the Dogs and i don't clean them right away otherwise i'd be forever changing them. Dirt is not hurting them i think thats why i have healthy kids cause they do get dirty! :)

Shannen - posted on 06/18/2010

My daughter has only ever had childrens panadole and thats when she was running a fever. she is 4 and gets maybe 1 cold that lasts for 3 days per yr.
My son has Had 1 course or antibiotics due to a chest infection that he couldn't fight of himself and was in hospitalf or 3 days with febrile seizures. Yes he has also had panadole but i can't risk his temp getting to highg or he will likely fit again.
I fully believe in letting them fight there own illnesses the best they can and then if they can't fight it get help. I rearly take my children tot he Dr's In fact my daughter has never been and my son who is 2 only went cause he fractured his skull.

Deborah - posted on 06/18/2010

"Of course if there is a serious illness or condition that needs to be treated, that's another thing. I think most of us are speaking in terms the people that get antibiotics for their kids' runny nose EVERY time. Or put a hyper kid on medication right away instead of looking into alternatives like changing diets, etc."



I would consider this a fault of the gp and not the parent. In my gp waiting room there is at least 5 posters stating that anti biotics don't work on colds and flus and the docs won't be prescribing them.



My daughter gets them if she has a cold, but thats after a lot of hospital admittances after colds led to chest infections which leads to low blood oxygen which is potentionally life threatening.



In my opinion its people over sanitising and taking anti biotics when they aren't needing thats breeding all these super bugs. So i agree with you, lots of minor ailments can be treated with home remedies, theres no need to rush to the chemist every time your child coughs or sniffs or god forbid actually scratches 1 layer of skin off their knee its a mad panic for the plasters....

Tracy - posted on 06/18/2010

Of course if there is a serious illness or condition that needs to be treated, that's another thing. I think most of us are speaking in terms the people that get antibiotics for their kids' runny nose EVERY time. Or put a hyper kid on medication right away instead of looking into alternatives like changing diets, etc.

I'm not big on making sure everything is sanitized constantly either, though. Germs are good for us! I do keep some hand sanitizer around for if we're at the park and they pet a strange dog, or we end up at a petting zoo. Basically when we can't wash hands for a while. Beyond that, go roll in the dirt kids!

Emily - posted on 06/18/2010

I think it all depends on what illness/condition you're talking about, and it depends on the person. While in a perfect world it would be great if no one had to take medications, we don't live in a perfect world. While I agree that antibiotics are overused, there are some people who absolutely need medication in order to function or to have a decent quality of life. Myself as an example, I get a lot of migraines. I could choose to not medicate myself and be constantly miserable and be useless as a mother. However I do choose to use medication so that I can be functional. My son takes seizure medication. If we didn't give it to him, he'd have seizures every day and his quality of life would suffer as well. While no drugs are without risks, you have to weigh the benefits vs. the costs. I don't think you can make sweeping generalizations about medications because there are just too many variables.