Antidepressants

Antidepressants are used to treat both anxiety and depression because they are long acting and not habit-forming.

Always check with your child's doctor before stopping or starting any medicine.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Zoloft

Prozac

Luvox

Celexa
Lexapro

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Effexor
Cymbalta
Pristiq

Atypical Antidepressants
Desyrel (Trazodone)
Remeron
Wellbutrin

Antidepressant Side Effects:

Upset stomach
Diarrhea
Constipation
Dry mouth
Loss of appetite
Weight changes
Suicidal thoughts
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Trouble sleeping
Restlessness
Shaking hands
Sweating
Wellbutrin can increase chances of having a seizure even if the child had never had one
Side effects relating to digestion, such as constipation and upset stomach, normally subside within a few weeks

Help your child understand their feelings:
Ask questions like “How do you feel?”
Teach your child the meanings of feelings words (angry, sad, nervous, frustrated, etc.)

Let your child’s doctor know if:

Your child’s symptoms do not improve or get worse.
Your child has thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

Reference:National Institute of Mental Health. (2010). Mental health medications. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-health-medications/NIMH-Mental-Health-Medications_45027.pdf

Disclaimer: All content in this blog is informational only. It should not be used to make changes in the medical treatment of your child. Alway consult your child's physician before adding or changing any medicines.