Should Teenagers Not Take SSRIs

Should Teenagers Not Take SSRIs Depression Treatment Print Cautions About the Use of SSRIs and Other Antidepressants in Teenagers By Barbara Poncelet Barbara Poncelet, CRNP, is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner specializing in teen health. Learn about our editorial policy Barbara Poncelet Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on April 05, 2017 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids martin-dm / Getty Images In This Article Table of Contents Expand Effectiveness in Teens Potential Adverse Effects Suicide Risk What to Watch For Next Steps View All When a teen has depression, counseling and antidepressants are often offered as options for treatment, especially if the depression is considered moderate or severe. If your teen is prescribed an antidepressant such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), its normal to have questions about how it works and whether its safe. Its important for you and your family to be educated about an antidepressant so you can help your teen understand the benefits and potential adverse effects (and how to manage them). An Overview of Teen Depression Effectiveness in Teens Antidepressants are there to help with the uncomfortable, disturbing, and even disabling symptoms of depression. Antidepressants can improve your teens mood, appetite, sleep, ability to focus, and may even relieve the physical aches and pains that sometimes come with depression. These medications also help treat anxiety symptoms.?? Most importantly, because depression can lead to suicide, it is extremely important to effectively treat teens with depression who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. Antidepressants may be most effective if your teen is also working with a therapist or psychiatrist. During counseling, your teen will learn coping skills  to help deal with lifes stressors. Your teen will also explore the possible causes of depression and talk about issues they may not feel comfortable disclosing to friends or family. A mental health professional can be a wonderful ally for the  parents of a teen with depression. These professionals have a wealth of information and resources about the disorder and can provide invaluable insight into the best way to treat it. The Dangers of Untreated Depression in Teens Potential Adverse Effects All medications have side effects. If your physician or psychiatrist suggests an antidepressant, youll walk to ask about the specific drugs common side effects. One of the most commonly prescribed classes of antidepressants for adolescent depression is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).?? While these medications can be safe and effective, they can have side effects: NauseaDiarrheaInsomniaSedationHeadachesDry mouthDizzinessWeight gainSexual side effects With many antidepressants, the side effects are mild and temporary.?? When your teen is first starting a medication, its important for them to know that the physical discomfort is likely to get better soon. Although not necessarily a drawback, it is important for parents and teens to know that the medications do not work instantly. It can take, on average, four to six weeks for the full effect of antidepressants to be felt.?? Just like it takes time for the side effects to improve, it also takes some time for the medication to fully work. Discussing how antidepressants work with your teen ahead of time will help you both avoid disappointment when your childs depression doesnt immediately get better. Suicide Risk The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions that young adults between the ages of 18 to 24 who are taking an antidepressant may be at risk for an increase in suicidal thoughts and actions.?? The risk has been noted at the beginning and through the first few months of treatment. The agency requested that drug manufacturers indicate this risk with a warning on the package inserts for the medications they make (called a black box warning). Parents, caregivers, and professionals need to watch for a potential increase in suicidal thinking and behavior in children and teens taking antidepressants. Can Antidepressants Make You Feel Worse? What to Watch For Your teen is an individual in many waysâ€"from their sense of style to personality to hobbies. They are also unique in how they will respond to an antidepressant. While many teens do not experience an increase in suicidal thoughts, it is possible. The FDA recommends looking for the following warning signs which may indicate your teen is considering suicide or deteriorating psychologically: Expression of new or persistent thoughts of suicideWorsening depressionAnxietyAgitation  Feelings of restlessness (akathisia)Panic attacksInsomniaNew or worsening irritabilityAggressive behaviorHostility or impulsivityUnusual changes in behaviorHypomania or mania Becoming familiar with these signs and staying involved and alert is especially important during the first few months of treatment, as well as when changes are made to your teens treatment plan (such as an increase or decrease in dose, addition of new medications, discontinuation of medications, or a change in medication).?? If you notice these signs or your teen brings any of them to your attention, it is imperative that you contact your teens physician, psychiatrist, or counselor immediately. If your teen is threatening suicide or has made an attempt, call 911 or your local emergency or crisis number. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Next Steps If your teen has depression, it is important for you and your teen to discuss the pros and cons of antidepressant use with your teens physician. Teens need to take their antidepressants exactly as their doctor prescribes them, usually daily. Tell your teens doctor if your child is taking any other medications or supplements, as they may interact with antidepressants. You and your teen should also know that antidepressant medications should never be stopped abruptly. If your teen suddenly stops taking their antidepressant, they may experience symptoms of withdrawal. If you or your teen think its time to change medications or alter the dose, talk to your teens doctor about tapering off the medication gradually. A Word From Verywell Teens with depression may have difficulty sleeping, issues related to eating, and problems at school or with friends. For some teens, antidepressant medications may be able to help. When making a choice about treatment, you and your family need to become familiar with the benefits and drawbacks of these medications so you can make an informed decision. Depression can have serious, even deadly, consequencesâ€"but early recognition, intervention, and treatment can help your whole family recovery. Antidepressants and counseling can make a big difference to a teen who is depressed, as well as offer your family with information and strategies for coping. How to Help Your Depressed Teenager