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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Should Fluoxetine And Risperidone Be Taken?

Hello Doc my son psychiatrist has him on 2 Different meds he is 10 years old one is called fluoxetine 10mg and the other one is risperidone 0.05g I feel strongly that my son wasnt given a fair proper evalution. As a concerned parent I feel that, he does not need to be on those medications and there is another way to treat him. I am seeking your feedback on this matter. I dont want him to have to take these medications if there is another way to treat him. The medications that he is on can affect him for the rest of his life. because he will become dependant on them they are life altering. I am awaiting your response
Wed, 18 Jul 2018
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor'. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Both of these medications are frequently prescribed by psychiatrists to treat children who have depression. A psychiatrist has more experience with these drugs than any other physician. Each is usually an effective medicine. If a mental health doctor determines that his patient is not responding adequately to the first anti-depressant, he/she will frequently add a second one. Please note that risperidone is sometimes prescribed also for irritability.
Since I do not know your son, I cannot give an opinion about whether he needs another evaluation; however, you are free to seek a second opinion(I hope from a pediatric psychiatrist.) or discuss with your son's current psychiatrist your dissatisfaction.
Whatever you decide, do NOT stop you son's medications without a doctor's instructions. The treating doctor has the responsibility to talk to you about how long your son will need to take his meds.
Please be assured that your son will not become addicted to these drugs; they are not narcotics and are not habit-forming.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help.
Arnold Zedd, MD, FAAP

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How Long Should Fluoxetine And Risperidone Be Taken?

Hello and Welcome to Ask A Doctor . I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Both of these medications are frequently prescribed by psychiatrists to treat children who have depression. A psychiatrist has more experience with these drugs than any other physician. Each is usually an effective medicine. If a mental health doctor determines that his patient is not responding adequately to the first anti-depressant, he/she will frequently add a second one. Please note that risperidone is sometimes prescribed also for irritability. Since I do not know your son, I cannot give an opinion about whether he needs another evaluation; however, you are free to seek a second opinion(I hope from a pediatric psychiatrist.) or discuss with your son s current psychiatrist your dissatisfaction. Whatever you decide, do NOT stop you son s medications without a doctor s instructions. The treating doctor has the responsibility to talk to you about how long your son will need to take his meds. Please be assured that your son will not become addicted to these drugs; they are not narcotics and are not habit-forming. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help. Arnold Zedd, MD, FAAP