Posted by ed_uk on February 22, 2006, at 14:27:01
In reply to Re: Effexor and Children, posted by jennalouisa on February 22, 2006, at 0:10:15
Hi!
As far as I know, fluoxetine (Prozac) is the only approved (licensed) drug treatment for childhood depression. Fluoxetine is rarely very effective in children however, adults tend to benefit more. Paxil, Celexa, Effexor, Zoloft and Remeron have also been tested in children suffering from depression. None of these drugs demonstrated efficacy, although occasional patients may respond well.
In general, SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants and Effexor show very poor efficacy in childhood depression. SSRIs are, however, an effective treatment for severe obsessive-compulsive disorder in children.
Irritability, hostility, nightmares, self-harm and suicidal ideation can occur when antidepressants are used in children. Such side effects usually emerge during the first few weeks of treatment. As a result, Effexor should only be used in the treatment of childhood depression after psychological treatments have failed. If drug treatment is required, fluoxetine (Prozac) would be a more appropriate first choice than Effexor. Close supervision by a psychiatrist would be essential. GPs should not initiate antidepressant treatment in children.
Due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms, withdrawal of Effexor must be very gradual. The dose should be reduced in small steps over a period of weeks or months.
If your boyfriend appears to have benefitted from Effexor, there is no reason to worry.
Ed x
poster:ed_uk
thread:611545
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060219/msgs/612098.html