List of Pediatric & Adolescent Antidepressants

Dealing with depression in adults is complicated enough but it's even more difficult in teens and children. Popular selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) have been found to increase the risk of suicide in young people and pediatricians are frequently at a loss as to how to treat them.



However, the FDA and family physicians have found that some drugs in low doses can be helpful in treating depression in youth and with fewer side effects.



Clinical trials are ongoing.

Fluoxetine

• Marketed as Prozac, fluoxetine is the only antidepressant that has been approved by the FDA for use in pediatric patients for the treatment of depression and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD.)

  Fluoxetine is prescribed in low doses to start, usually about 10mg per day with teenagers, and then slowly increased or decreased as needed under close supervision by the prescribing doctor.

  In a small percentage of adolescents, Prozac increases suicidal ideation. This is mitigated considerably when prescribed in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT.)

Sertraline

• Zoloft, the market name for sertraline, is not officially approved by the FDA for pediatric patients with depression; however, it is approved for treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Many doctors still use sertraline to treat children and teens with depression but under very close medical supervision.

  Zoloft has very few side effects or drug interactions.

Luvox

• The market is flooded with medication for depression, but not all of it is suitable for pediatric patients

  Fluvoxamine (Luvox) is approved as an anti-OCD drug in children, including those under six years old. However, it is only prescribed for depression on a discretionary basis and under close supervision by family physicians and psychiatrists.

  Fluvoxamine has a laundry list of potential side effects including nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, constipation, loss of appetite, increased sweating and blurred vision.

Paxil

• Paroxetine, marketed as Paxil, is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for major depressive disorder (MDD). The FDA has not approved it for use in children and teens for the common reason that it may increase suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm.

  However, many doctors still prescribe Paxil for MDD in adolescents while treating them under supervision. Parents are advised to watch their child's behavior closely for signs of agitation, panic attacks, extreme anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or heightened levels of excitement.

A Final Warning

• Children and teens being treated for depression with SSRI's or other antidepressants should be closely supervised by their physician or psychiatrist. In the initial phase of treatment, a child may need to see his doctor on a weekly basis for behavior monitoring and to check for indications of suicide thought.

  Many doctors recommend therapy in conjunction with drug treatment for pediatric patients.