Antidepressants

[Edwards021]

Hiya, just wondering if anyone else children take a antidepressants for there low mood and anxiety, if so what what were the effects and outcomes

[SDIC]

Two of my kids are on zoloft for anxiety/depression. I've noticed a definite improvement in their abilities to cope with pretty much everything. It's helped reduce the fight-flight-freeze scenarios. We certainly still have our challenging moments, but helping them reduce anxiety has enabled them to make strides in other areas (academic/social/etc.)

[Edwards021 in reply to SDIC]

Thanks I feel like my son is in constant fight or flight mode 🙈 Do your children take anything for the adhd also did your pead doctor prescribe these?

[Pennywink]

Not sure how commonly it is prescribed to children, but I currently take Wellbutrin for executive functioning issues. It’s an antidepressant, but acts more like a stimulant than other antidepressants. For some people it does aggravate anxiety concerns, but I have not had a problem with it.

We tried non-stimulant ADHD medications for my 7 year old (guanfacine & Straterra.) They did help his anxiety, but we’re not a good fit for us. He currently takes methylphenidate for ADHD. He does have some anxiety concerns, but the stimulant has not exasterbated his anxiety. If anything, it gives him a little more control over it.

Hopefully your prescribing physician or a psychiatrist specializing in ADHD and Anxiety can help guide you through this. 😊

[Janice_H]

Hello, I don't think it is common to treat children with anti-depressants. I'm an adult and take Zoloft. It is very effective at improving my mood, allowing me to adapt better in social settings, reducing anxiety and improving my focus and concentration. I feel like a completely different person, feel happy and at peace. Without the medication I feel doomed, stressed, anxious and angry.

The only side effects I experience are dry mouth and low appetite.

[Tinkerbell215]

My understanding with anti-depressants is they are very risky for children teens, raising risk of suicidal thoughts enough that it is generally considered a last resort. My 14 yr old is on anti-anxiety meds along with a reduced dose of Vyvanse and I have to say the anti-anxiety meds have made a huge difference. I wonder now it that was the main issue all along...sigh. It is very up and down, isnt it? I do think that finally getting in to a children's psychiatrist was what I wish we had done years ago. We relied on the pediatrician and while well-intentioned, she just doesn't have the expertise of complex medication management. Out of network and a four month waitlist but was, eventually, worth it...

[anirush]

My teen age grandson does well on a low dose of Wellbutrin along with Seroquel, Intuniv and Straterra. We could not up his dose of Wellbutrin as it made him angry. But a low does helps with his severe anxiety and depression.

[Wanderlust81]

My almost 11 year old daughter is currently on a very low dose of Prozac. She’s been taking it for one year and within two days it made a world of difference and I felt like I had my daughter back. It was a last resort after trying absolutely everything I could (diet, exercise, meditation, therapy, homeschooling, comfort dog, etc) but after she attempted suicide multiple times at the tender age of 9, we put her on medication. It has been such a blessing to us but unfortunately the past few weeks her symptoms have returned and we’re having to consider raising her dose, which breaks my heart a little. However, I know it’s absolutely worth the peace and happiness it gives her as well as the rest of the family. I was afraid it would have side effects but it doesn’t at all. Good luck in finding some help and answers.