The changes to look out for are listed in Section 3, on what to watch for.Whenever an antidepressant is started or its dose is changed, pay close attention to your child.After starting an antidepressant, your child should generally see his or her healthcare provider:You should call your child's healthcare provider between visits if needed.Contact your child's healthcare provider right away if your child exhibits any of the following signs for the first time, or if they seem worse, or worry you, your child, or your child's teacher:Never let your child stop taking an antidepressant without first talking to his or her healthcare provider.
Depression and other illnesses can lead to suicide. It also can mean more energy, better sleep, more interest and pleasure, and an easier time paying attention and thinking.Doctors sometimes order these drugs for other medical needs. Asking such questions does not plant ideas in your child’s mind. Also, ask about drugs that your child should avoid when taking an antidepressant. Below, we'll review the risks of choosing antidepressants and other anxiety medicines and then explain which medications are likely the "safest," depending on your perspective. For most antidepressants, there are no clear guidelines for which brand to use with which patient.
Of all the antidepressants, only fluoxetine (For obsessive compulsive disorder in children and teenagers, FDA has approved only fluoxetine (Your healthcare provider may suggest other antidepressants based on the past experience of your child or other family members.No. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. However, there is the other side of under treatment of depression. This will help you make an informed decision about your child's health and weigh the benefits and risks of treatment options with your child's doctor.None of the children in any of the studies actually took his or her own life. Other important people in your child's life can help by paying attention as well (e.g., your child, brothers and sisters, teachers, and other important people). Here are some signs that your child's condition may be worsening or that he or she may be at risk of self-harm:Contact your child's health care professional right away if any of these signs occur, if they get worse, or if they worry you, your child, a teacher or other caregiver.Make sure your child doesn't stop antidepressant treatment without the guidance of the prescribing doctor. Most often, they ease the physical symptoms.Many doctors report that a number of their patients feel better when taking these drugs. Many types of psychotherapy may be helpful, but cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy have been scientifically studied and shown to be effective for treating depression.For some children and teenagers with mild symptoms, talk therapy alone may be beneficial.Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Depression is a complex illness that involves sad and hopeless feelings that do not go away. The patients in these studies were depressed or had other illnesses. E-Mail If your teen is prescribed an antidepressant such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), it's normal to have questions about how it works and whether it's safe. Doctors sometimes order these drugs for other medical needs. Newer research indicates that the benefits of antidepressants may be greater than the risk of suicide. Be sure to discuss all the risks of treating depression as well as the risks of not treating it.To learn more about depression and the use of antidepressants for children and teens, talk to your child’s Parents or guardians need to think about 4 important things when their child is prescribed an antidepressant:Children and teenagers sometimes think about suicide, and many report trying to kill themselves.Antidepressants increase suicidal thoughts and actions in some children and teenagers. Stopping these drugs suddenly can cause other problems.After starting an antidepressant, your child should see the doctor on a regular basis.More open talk of suicide is just one possible side effect of antidepressants. Call 1-866-278-5833 (TTY: 1-901-595-1040).ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Has he thought that death might be the only way out of the rut where he feels stuck? These effects may indicate that the child's depression is getting worse or that the child is starting to develop suicidal thoughts.The warnings about a possible link between antidepressants and suicidal thoughts do not mean that antidepressants should not be used in children. Most antidepressants are generally safe, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all antidepressants carry black box warnings, the strictest warnings for prescriptions. To learn more about depression and the use of antidepressants for children and teens, talk to your child’s St. Jude doctor, mental health worker, or pharmacist.