Which ssri is best to treat anxiety/ocd in children.i heard prozac (fluoxetine) can increase it at first. is it best choice for anxoius but not depressed but kids?

It's important for : any child or teen treated with an SSRI to have regular Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Sessions because studies show an increase in suicidal ideation. Anxiety & depression may co-exist on a continuum. Zoloft (sertraline) has a shorter half-life than Prozac, so I've found it easier to manage side effects, which may show up ~ 6 days after starting treatment. Child Psychiatrists may have had a different experience.

Dr Italia agreed

No SSRI is "best": Medication choices for children are limited. Prozac (fluoxetine) is one that has been approved for Pediatric use and can be effective for both anxiety and depression. A Child Psychiatrist is best equipped to evaluate and decide on the medication needed.The risks of certain dangerous side effects are greater in children and young adults. I hope this helps.

Any SSRI should work: All SSRI's are fairly similar...Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro (escitalopram) are most commonly used in children. Prozac may initially increase anxiety a little before starting to help bring the anxiety down. This is the case for some but not all people due to the fact that it can be activating/energizing for some people.

Dr Willson agreed