Kids on Psychotropic Medications

I dont have much experience with this myself but I have read a few things concerning kids and depression from Dr. James Dobson. I highly suggest you research some of the things he has written and get a second opinion. Good Luck!

I don't have a child on meds personally but I do know that a lot of my partners and friends have been trying more natural methods for anxiety. For instance, my friend's husband has anxiety and he's been taking a natural supplement to control his anxiety and it's working wonderfully. I also have another friend who suffers from depression and she's taking the natural supplement as well. Some people have taken the prescrip meds and then weaned off of them by taking these natural supplements. I can send you more info on the natural supplements if you want. Just let me know. I'm here to help.
J.

My 7 year old daughter is currently being treated for OCD and anxiety. We started her on Zoloft and the side effects were not good as it made her extremely aggressive (which is the opposite of her normal disposition). We also tried her on Prozac with similar side effects. They now have her on Celexa (a form of Lexapro which actual worked the best but is too expensive) and we have had a lot of success. It is a low dose but she is much more focused and has done a complete turn around. Now she is much more like her old self (we are still in counseling as well) and she seems much happier. My husband was very anit-medication but even he has admitted it has helped her greatly. I would definetly watch for side effects but if you find the right one, I do think medications can help.

Well, my sister has taken medication her whole life including Zoloft, and even though she is in a whole different ball game (she has alot of other problems too including depression and anxiety) I have seen the difference medication can make in a childs life. I'm not sure what your main concern is, but don't worry about what other chldren (or anyone else) will say if your child is on drugs of any kind. If it makes the differece that is good for your child, that's all that is important. You can see how if affects your child and if it has a good effect, than that's what's important. If you don't like something about the way your child acts (sleep patterns or anything else) tell the doctor and they can take them off of it and try somethign new. It can be a painful process, but once you find what is right for your child, it will make your life (and hers) so much better. I wish you the best.

My son is on strattera for ADHD. It works well but you have to be aware of the side affects. Just stay in close contact with her doctor. If she needs it it should help her.

My 9 year old step daughter is currently taking meds for anxiety. She started on Zoloft for about 6 months, starting at a low dose and working up to a stronger on. After 6 months of no change, she was put on Prozac. She has been on it for about 9 months now. She takes 30 mg a day. She is also on Seraquel, 25 mg, that started back in September. The seraquel helps her to sleep. I will say that when starting the meds and when there was a dosage increase she would be a little more hyper.
I am sure that meds work for some children, but we haven't had alot of luck with them. Just be careful and watch for all the side effects, even the smallest of things could mean alot! I would also suggest letting her teachers know that she is starting the meds. It helped with some of our worries of side effects that may occur at school. Hope things go well for you and your daughter, T.

If you feel like your daughters anxiety is really affecting her life. However, most research shows that medicine, along with cognitive/behavioral therapy works the best. Once the child learns how to adjust there way of thinking (that is adding to/causing the depression) she could be weined off the medication. It would not hurt to try it for a few months and see if things improve.

if the doc recomends it i would consider it strongly. i was depressed all my life and didnt have any help till in my 40s. my life was one big rollercoaster. ive heard of kids being on antidepressants and they do well. check the side affects and get a second opinion if you are unsure.

please do a lot of research and monitor your child. i took it as an adult and had to stop due to the side affects.

There are many therapists who specialize in pediatric patients as well as doctors who use psych meds as a last resort - rather than the first line of care. This may require family therapy but it may give you a better foundation.

Zoloft is fairly harmless. The most common side effect is headaches. However, I would put the bulk of my focus on therapy. Anxiety and depression are emotional issues and the most effective method of treatment for kids is teaching them the coping skills they need. Remember, medication treats the symptoms, but is not a cure. The cure lies in learning how to self soothe, relaxation techniques, etc. Good luck!