Anti-Depression Medication for Juvenile Depression

Antidepressant medications are often prescribed in conjunction with psychotherapy for adolescents suffering from depression. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that approximately five percent of adolescents suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD).

Types

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly prescribed for adolescents suffering from depression or major depressive disorder.

Side Effects

• Common side effects of antidepressant medications (SSRIs and SNRIs) include headache, nausea, insomnia, drowsiness, agitation, joint and muscle pain and sexual side effects.

Benefits

• SSRIs and SNRIs are newer antidepressants that have fewer side effects than older antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants.

Considerations

• Fluoxetine (Prozac) is the only antidepressant that is FDA-approved for treating depression in children ages eight and older. Other medications are prescribed off-label, however. Antidepressants have a "black box" warning of an increased risk of suicidal behaviors in some adolescents, so the patients need to be monitored while taking medication.

Expert Insight

• A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 2006 analyzed health plan records for 65,103 patients treated for depression who were started on antidepressants. The study found no significant increased risk among adults and young adults.