Josh/meds

Josh has never been on medication for any extended length of time. Certain parties have suggested that medications are necessary in order to keep him manageable; our experience has been that the best way to do this is to keep him engaged with novel experiences.

Here are various medications that have been tried on him:

• 2010:
  • Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) as a sleeping aid, requested by therapeutic foster home. No apparent effects.
  • Melatonin as a sleeping aid, requested by therapeutic foster home. No apparent effects.
  • Prozac (Fluoxetine) at a very low dose, to see if it would help reduce his anxiety. It seemed to make it worse, and caused crying jags.
• 2011:
  • June 6: RHA Howell is considering whether to recommend Risperdal (Risperidone), 5.5mg daily (minimal dose), on a trial basis with the hope of reducing problematic behaviors (e.g. hitting chest, banging head into walls). We're concerned that it might exacerbate Josh's existing akathisia and insomnia, or possibly "zombify" him.