HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Antidepressants For Teens

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.
Mon, 21 Apr 2014
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist 's  Response
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.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Fluoxetine


Loading Online Doctors....
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.