Prescribed Medication

There is a wide range of medications that doctors may prescribe for various reasons from time to time for such things as:

• Anxiety / antidepressant medications
• Sleep medications
• Stimulant medications for daytime sleepiness or ADHD (attention, impulsivity)
• Anti-psychotic medications for behaviour or psychiatric disorders
• Mood stabilising medications
• Anti-convulsant / anti-epileptic medications for mood stabilising or behaviour
• Benzodiazepines – fast acting anxiety reducing sedatives

Because people with Prader-Willi Syndrome react differently to certain medications due to their genetic dispositions, it is important to do your own research, by talking to Professionals experienced in treating patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome, and discuss your concerns with the medical practitioner prescribing the medication to ensure that the medication prescribed will not have any adverse effect.  Learn more: PWS Primer for Psychiatrists

“We know that people with PWS often absorb and keep medications in their system longer than the average person. The medications of greatest concern include prescription pain medications, anaesthetics, and psychotropic medications, all of which have the potential to depress breathing in any person. Combinations of several new medications create the most worrisome situation and is most likely to occur after surgery.”

The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) ‘Medication combinations may fatally impair breathing in PWS’ publication

The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of New Zealand provides detailed information regarding Prescribed medications on their website. Please note that the information has been gathered for New Zealand residents therefore some of the medications outlined many not be available in your local area. Further information can be found in the Australian Medical Alert Booklet – link back to Medical Alert Booklet info