Necessary follow-up for children on antipsychotic medication.

Understand metabolic monitoring for children taking antipsychotic medications.

While antipsychotic medications can be very effective for managing symptoms, some can also increase the risk for weight gain, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol. These are called metabolic effects.

If your child takes antipsychotic medications, regular metabolic monitoring helps track weight, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels to catch changes early and reduce long-term health risks.

Why monitoring matters.

Routine testing helps your child’s care team identify risks early and prevent complications such as diabetes and heart disease. Talk with your child’s provider about how often monitoring should occur and keep all scheduled appointments.

Explore care options.

Before starting medication, discuss alternative approaches such as therapy, improved sleep habits, physical activity, and stress management. These strategies may help manage symptoms or reduce medication needs.