Types of Medication
Though there is good evidence to support the benefits of medication in treating adult anxiety, the long-term research needed to validate safety, effectiveness, and developmental effects in children is ongoing. Due to the tightening FDA regulations, those who prescribe medication for children may only have a few options to work with, especially if they practice in a managed-care setting. Following is a list of typical types of medication that your child's doctor may prescribe. Some newer medications are formulated so they need only be taken once a day. They may have the designations CR (controlled release), SR (sustained release), ER or XR (extended release), or LA (long-acting).
Fact
Remember, if you've responded well to a medication yourself, your child's physician may want to consider the same medication as a first course for your child. Be sure to let your child's doctor know if you've responded well to a medication for anxiety or depression.
Antidepressants
Antidepressant medications have been used for decades to reduce anxiety, whether or not depression is present. There are three basic types of medications, and they are grouped based upon the neurotransmitters they act upon. In general, antidepressants work by helping the brain to restore the optimal chemical functioning that it needs to improve mood, thinking, and physical troubles such as sleep, appetite, and energy. In addition, the overall support of brain chemistry by antidepressants can help stop negative, unproductive thinking and behavior. Following are examples of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are among the most commonly prescribed for both children and adults with anxiety. For convenience, the name of the chemical agent is given first, and the brand name is shown in parentheses: fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline, (Zoloft), parox-etine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), venlafaxine (Effexor), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). Examples of atypical (alternative) antidepressants include: bupropion (Wellbutrin), nefazo-done (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and mirtazapine (Remeron). Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were most commonly prescribed before SSRIs came on the market. They include amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), imipramine (Tofranil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are older medications that typically require changes in diet. They include phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
Antianxiety Medications
These medications are generally used to treat severe cases of anxiety, and include three classes of medications: benzodiazepines, antihistamines, and atypical antianxiety medications. Examples of benzodiazepines include: alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), and clonazepam (Klonopin). Because Benadryl and Vistaril may cause dependency and are considered controlled substances, they are used sparingly to treat children's anxiety except in extreme circumstances such as acute trauma.
Sleep Aids
Your child's doctor may prescribe this type of medication for a short time if your child is having trouble falling or staying asleep. Examples include: trazodone (Desyrel), zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
Alert!
Though diphenhydramine, or Benadryl, is available over the counter, you should check with your child's physician before using it to make sure that it will be safe for your child. It is also very important to check your child's dosage based on age and weight.
