Medication for Anxiety Disorder in Children

Children do not have as strong as an immune system as adults, therefore their medications and dosages may be different from those of adults. The side effects of medications can lead to suicidal thoughts and dependence, and a physician should inform you of this when prescribing. However, if psychotherapy does not help, the physician may see medication as the only remedy for coping with the disorder.

Anxiety Disorder

• Anxiety disorder occurs in an adult or child who panics about an issue, whether the issue is big or small. Some of the disorders go away with treatment and time, but any event can trigger the disorder, and the panicking and anxiety will resurface. Symptoms of the disorder include headache, sweating, hypertension, muscle spasms and palpitations. This disorder is a mental or physiological disorder that can cause a person to be fearful much of the time.

SSRIs

• Doctors often prescribe for children antidepressants that will take effect after several weeks. SSRIs are serotonin reuptake inhibitors that act in the brain, due to the chemical messenger serotonin. Sertraline, paroxetine, flouxetine, and citalopram are among the most common SSRIs that for children with anxiety disorder. These medications may cause jitters or nausea when children first start taking them, but the side effects should disappear with time.

Anti-Anxiety Medications

• Anti-anxiety medications can cause children to develop a dependence on the drugs as they get older, so these medications should be prescribed with caution. They relieve symptoms quickly, and have few side effects. The anti-anxiety medications usually consist of benzodiazepines. When children stop taking benzodiazepines, the symptoms of anxiety can come back. Therefore doctors shy away from prescribing benzodiazepines, or cut the normal dosage in half for children.

Other Medications

• Other medications that physicians may prescribe for children who suffer from anxiety disorder are beta-blockers, such as propanolol. This medication is generally prescribed to treat heart conditions, but research has shown it helps with anxiety disorders as well. The medication can help those who have fears or phobias for different reasons. It will stop the heart from pounding, prevent your hands from shaking or keep other physical symptoms from developing.

Therapy

• Some children who have issues about taking medications may undergo therapeutic treatment. Congnitive-behavorial therapy is recommended for children who do not take SSRI's or other depressants. This therapeutic treatment helps them work with the support of family, school officials and friends.