Management of Adverse Effects of Psychotropic Medications.

Psychotropic medications are an essential component of treating pediatric mental health disorders, and pediatricians are increasingly likely to prescribe them. Commonly used psychotropic medications include stimulants and nonstimulants used in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); antidepressants used in the treatment of anxiety and depression; and antipsychotics indicated for use in autism, schizophrenia, mood disorders, severe impulsivity, and aggression. Stimulants are commonly associated with appetite suppression and initial insomnia and nonstimulants for ADHD are associated with sedation. Antidepressants are generally well tolerated; adverse effects include behavioral activation early in treatment and, rarely, treatment-emergent mania and suicidal ideation. Potential adverse effects of atypical antipsychotics include weight gain and metabolic syndrome. Monitoring strategies are reviewed. [Pediatr Ann. 2020;49(10):e431-e435.].