Hi,I am Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (Psychiatrist). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
My son just turned 17 a week ago. He has been on Prozac 20mg po daily for approx 2 months. His mood has improved, but he has become very tired. He does take it at night. I will talk to his DR that prescribed it but am concerned what other antidepressants are available for teens. Most literature I read does not advise most antidepressants for teens.
Hi, I read your query and can understand your concern regarding adverse effects of antidepressants on your son. Your son has shown improvement on prozac (fluoxetine), although, he still seems only partially improved. First of all, regarding your concern about anti-depressants in teens, SSRIs like Fluoxetine, escitalopram and sertraline are actually safe enough options. They help in overcoming the symptoms of depression in adolescents very well and are actually recommended. After all, you won't want your son to continue feeling depressed. Regarding your son's current set of symptoms, he can be started on some kind of non-pharmacological treatment like Cognitive behavior therapy if someone in your area is qualified enough for that. He can be taught relaxation exercises. Alternatively, dose of fluoxetine can be increased further. Wishing your son speedy recovery.
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Suggest Antidepressants For Teens
Hi, I read your query and can understand your concern regarding adverse effects of antidepressants on your son. Your son has shown improvement on prozac (fluoxetine), although, he still seems only partially improved. First of all, regarding your concern about anti-depressants in teens, SSRIs like Fluoxetine, escitalopram and sertraline are actually safe enough options. They help in overcoming the symptoms of depression in adolescents very well and are actually recommended. After all, you won t want your son to continue feeling depressed. Regarding your son s current set of symptoms, he can be started on some kind of non-pharmacological treatment like Cognitive behavior therapy if someone in your area is qualified enough for that. He can be taught relaxation exercises. Alternatively, dose of fluoxetine can be increased further. Wishing your son speedy recovery.