“What medication is given to kids for anxiety?”
My son has really bad anxiety and I don't know what I should do to help him treat it. He's only 13 years old. Would he need medication to manage his anxiety? What medication is usually given to a teenager?
3 Answers
In general, anxiety disorders such as social phobias, panic attacks, generalized anxiety are responsive to SSRI’s such as Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro. Over a month period, the disorder vastly improves. This is coupled with anxiety management techniques. Medications such as Xanez (Alprazolam) or Ativan any short half life benzodiazepines should not be given. If the anxiety is too strong immediately, hydroxyzine may be given while waiting for SSRI to become effective. Buspirone or Buspar is also a useful anxiety blocker. Benzodiazepine sedatives are highly addictive and should not be given. Depending on your child’s diagnosis, the cause of anxiety determined by a child psychiatrist, other medications may be recommended.
A Board Certified Child Psychiatrist can evaluate him and put him on appropriate medication or medications if indicated. It is never a good idea to get medication suggestions online. If he has already been prescribed a medication by someone and you have questions or concerns about that particular medicine, then that can be addressed as it’s own issue.
Regards.
Dr.Arene
Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist.
Regards.
Dr.Arene
Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist.
SSRI
Allison V. Downer, M.D.
Allison V. Downer, M.D.
