“At what age can a child take anxiety medication?”
My daughter is 7 years old and she has anxiety. At what age can a child take anxiety medication?
3 Answers
I am sorry, but my training doesn’t include the care for children. Your pediatrician would be a good source of information.
If her anxiety is significant enough and not associated with a single identifiable source that can be isolated and removed then it is reasonable to treat it with therapy and medication. Dr. F
Anxiety can include several diagnoses. In general, long-term anti-anxiety medication trials in children usually involve children greater than 5 years of age. Medication trials usually involve SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) such as Fluoxetine or Sertraline. Benzodiazepines, such as Valium, can be used in children as young as 6 months old but the recommended duration of treatment is 2-4 weeks. Specifically, for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), the American Academy of Pediatrics advises medication treatment for those aged 4-18 years old. Currently, stimulants (such as Ritalin) and non-stimulants (such as Strattera) are FDA approved for ADHD.
Michael J. Olek, DO
Associate Professor of Neurology
Touro University Nevada
College of Osteopathic Medicine874 American Pacific DriveHenderson, NV 89014
Michael J. Olek, DO
Associate Professor of Neurology
Touro University Nevada
College of Osteopathic Medicine874 American Pacific DriveHenderson, NV 89014
