What If I Don't Want My Child To Take Any Drugs, Prescription Or Otherwise?

Parents usually make the final decision whether a child will take a prescribed drug. Just because a drug is prescribed does not always mean the prescription must be filled and the drug taken. If you have concerns about a prescribed medication, you may wish to discuss this issue with the doctor, or seek a second opinion.

When failing to give a prescribed medication to a child endangers that child, this act may be viewed as criminal neglect. This situation is almost unheard of in the case of psychiatric medications, but occasionally becomes an issue with medications such as insulin for children with diabetes or anticonvulsants for those with epilepsy. Whether a prescribed psychiatric medication is "optional" should always be discussed with a licensed physician caring for the child or acting as a consultant.