Age Related Effects of Psychotropic Medications in Pediatrics

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Why is it important to know the difference in how medication affects children versus adults?

  • The developing brain of children may be more sensitive to side effects compared to adults.1,2
  • Children and adolescents are not “miniature adults.” The safe and effective use of medication in children requires attention to developmental changes, as well as an understanding of the variable presentation of potential side effects relative to adults.3
Resources
  1. Elia, J. Overview of Psychiatric Disorders in Children and Adolescents. Merck Manual Professional Version. Merck & Co., Inc.; 2025. Updated October 2025. Accessed November 5, 2025.https://www.merckmanuals.com/ professional/pediatrics/psychiatric-disorders-in-children-and-adolescents/overview-of-psychiatric-disorders-in-children-and-adolescents
  2. Kubiszyn T, Mire S, Dutt S, Papathopoulos K, Burridge AB. Significant differences in pediatric psychotropic side effects: Implications for school performance. Sch Psychology Q. 2012;27(1):4- 28. DOI: 10.1037/a0027419.
  3. Shahidullah JD, Roberts H, Parkhurst J, Ballard R, Mautone JA, Carlson JS. State of the Evidence for Use of Psychotropic Medications in School-Age Youth. Children. 2023;10(9):1454. DOI: 10.3390/children10091454.
  4. Batchelor HK, Marriott JF. Paediatric pharmacokinetics: key considerations. Brit J Clin Pharma. 2015;79(3):395- 404. DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12267.
  5. Hollander E, Chaplin W, Soorya L, Wasserman S, Novotny S, Rusoff J, et al. Divalproex sodium vs placebo for the treatment of irritability in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2010;35(4):990-8. DOI: 10.1038/npp.2009.202. PubMed PMID: 20010551; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2846602.
  6. Prasad V, Brogan E, Mulvaney C, Grainge M, Stanton W, Sayal K. How effective are drug treatments for children with ADHD at improving on-task behaviour and academic achievement in the school classroom? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 4th ed. 2013;22(4):203- 216. DOI: 10.1007/s00787-012-0346-x.
  7. Jangmo A, Stålhandske A, Chang Z, Chen Q, Almqvist C, Feldman I, et al.. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, School Performance, and Effect of Medication. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2019;58(4):423- 432. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2018.11.014.
  8. Meyers RS, Thackray J, Matson KL, McPherson C, Lubsch L, Hellinga RC, et al. Key Potentially Inappropriate Drugs in Pediatrics: The KIDs List. J Pediatric Pharmacol Ther. 2020;25(3):175- 191. DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-25.3.175.
  9. Link to KIDs list-https://www.childrensmn.org/references/cds/pharmacy-medication-guideline.pdf