Your Child Has Started Medication—Now What?
- Lindsay Picard
- May 28
- 3 min read
A Caregiver’s Guide to Monitoring and Adjusting Medication in Collaboration with Your Provider
Approximately 20% of children in Canada will experience mental health challenges and about 5-7% of Canadian children are diagnosed with ADHD, and medications are often a part of the evidence-based interventions to support well-being. Caregivers are crucial in monitoring treatment effect, flagging concerns, and supporting medical providers with information that impacts decision making when it comes to medication choices.
When your child begins a new medication, whether for ADHD, anxiety, or another condition—it can feel like a huge step. You’ve likely weighed the options, spoken to professionals, and made the decision with care. But the journey doesn’t end when the prescription is filled. In fact, how you monitor and respond to your child’s medication experience is just as important as starting it!
Why It Matters
Medication can be a powerful tool, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Every child’s brain and body are different. What works well for one child might not work the same way for another. That’s why it’s essential to keep a close eye on how your child is doing once they start, or change a medication and regularly consult with your child's
prescriber (e.g., family doctor, paediatrician, psychiatrist, or nurse practitioner).
Continue reading for our FREE downloadable resource!
Key Reasons to Monitor Closely and Regularly
Finding the Right Fit Can Take Time
Especially with medications like those for ADHD, it may take some trial and error to find the right type, dosage, and timing. Some kids respond well to long-acting medications, while others do better with short-acting ones. Close observation helps identify what’s truly helping, and what might be causing problems.
Side Effects Can Be Subtle or Delayed
Not all side effects show up right away. Some might emerge after a few weeks, or even only under specific conditions (like during school vs. weekends). Your child might not always report them clearly, especially if they’re young or if the side effects are emotional or internal (like feeling “off,” trouble sleeping, or loss of appetite). Regular check-ins, journaling, or even asking teachers for input can help.
Symptoms Can Change as Your Child Grows and Develops
Children’s needs shift over time. What worked in Grade 2 might not be as effective by Grade 8. Puberty, changes in routine, academic demands, or emotional stress can all influence how well a medication continues to work. Ongoing monitoring ensures you’re adjusting along with your child’s growth.
Medication Is One Part of a Bigger Picture
Even when a medication is working, your child may still need support in other areas. If they’re more focused but still struggling with self-esteem, social interactions, or sensory overwhelm, those pieces also need to be addressed. Monitoring helps make sure the medication is supporting not masking what your child truly needs.
Your Voice (and Theirs) Matters
Parents and caregivers are often the first to notice subtle changes in behaviour, mood, or routines. When you’re actively monitoring and documenting, you’re better equipped to advocate for your child in medical appointments, and help your child build awareness of how they’re feeling and functioning, too.
Click here to download our FREE medication tracking sheet!
It’s easy to use, simple to update, and perfect for noting changes in mood, focus, appetite, sleep,or other side effects.
Looking for more tailed medication management support?
Whether you’re just starting out or your child has been on medication for a while, it’s completely normal to have questions. When should we start medication? What medication should we try? Is this the right dose? Are these side effects expected? Is it time for a change?
At WonderTree, our Nurse Practitioner specializes in:
Diagnoses and new prescriptions
Medication consultations and ongoing monitoring
Support when a current prescription doesn’t seem to be working anymore
Our approach is patient-centered, collaborative, and focused on your child’s unique strengths and needs.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Click HERE to learn more about our medication consultation services or reach out to our team today!
If you want to get started on support:
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IMPORTANT: Information shared by WonderTree is not intended to replace or be constituted as clinical or medical care. It’s intended for educational purposes only. Each child is unique, and the information provided may not be applicable to your specific situation. If you need support, please establish care with a licensed provider so that they can provide tailored recommendations for you or your child. This blog is non-monetized.
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