Drug Treatment for Teenage Depression
Treatment for teenage depression often involves drug therapy. Antidepressants can reduce the physical signs of depression in a short span of time. These medicines are effective, as long as these and the teen are closely monitored by the physician.
Common Medicines for Teenage Depression
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the primary medicines being prescribed to teens suffering from depression. These drugs have mild side effects and are very effective in treating symptoms of depression. Some common examples of these drugs are sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine, and citalopram.
Other medications used in treating depression are atypical depressants. Examples of these drugs are bupropion (Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Zispin, Remeron). When these are not effective, then physicians may go for tricyclic antidepressants. However, these are only used when all the other drugs have been prescribed but there is no effect on the symptoms.
However, only Prozac and Lexapro are the ones approved by the Food and Drug Administration for drug therapy in adolescents. The other medications were not yet tested for efficacy in adolescents so they are not yet approved by the FDA.
Antidepressants and the Risks Involved with Them
Most antidepressant medicines were designed and tested on adults that their effect on adolescents is not yet completely understood. Researchers are not yet sure on the effects of these medications on the developing brains of teens, for these drugs might interfere with normal brain development. Amir Raz, a neuroscientist says in the June 2007 article of Scientific American Mind, "The human brain is developing exponentially when we are very young, and exposure to antidepressants may affect or influence the wiring of the brain, especially when it comes to certain elements that have to do with stress, emotion and the regulation of these."
The risk of suicidal thinking and behavior may be increased with antidepressant therapy. This usually happens in the first two months of the medication therapy. Teens with psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder have greater risks of committing suicide when undergoing antidepressant therapy.
These teens taking these antidepressants should be closely monitored for any sign that the depression is getting worse. Here are some signs that should be watched out for and reported immediately once noticed in teens taking in antidepressants. New or more thoughts of suicide should always be monitored. Attempts on committing suicide, new or worse depression, new or worse anxiety, worsened agitation and restlessness, panic attacks, insomnia, worsened irritability, aggressiveness, anger, violence, extreme hyperactivity and other unusual changes in behavior are some warning signs of worsening depression that should be carefully watched out for.
Once you notice these things, you have to report it immediately to your physician. Or, you can talk to your teen and ask if he has made plans on committing suicide. Be direct in asking so that you will be able to gather the truth. Your teen may deny it at first. The technique is to be honest and upfront with him. Do not show pity but rather, demonstrate concerned behaviors to make your teen feel loved and secured for these are the things that teens are looking for.
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