A member asked:

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?

8 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Johanna Fricke answered

Specializes in Pediatrics - Developmental and Behavioral

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.

Answered 6/2/2015

3.7k views

Thank

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.

Answered 5/1/2016

3.7k views

Thank

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.

Answered 6/2/2015

3.7k views

Thank

Related Questions

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more