I am depressed but I don't know if this medication will work for me.
Is Prozac ok to take if you are a 14 year old?
- Posted:
- 27 Feb 2011 by Cam12
- Topics:
- prozac, depression
Details:
Responses (19)
suzanne6627 Feb 2011
There is an FDA warning about a possible link between antidepressants including Prozac and suicidal thoughts in teenagers. This doesn't mean that antidepressants can't be used to treat children. Nor are the warnings meant to frighten people away from antidepressants.
If you are depressed and have been prescribed prozac you should take it. In a few weeks you could be feeling so much better. If you start feeling worse or have suicidal thoughts seek help from your doctor.(Studies have shown there is about a 4% chance of this happening).
All the best.
LaurieShay27 Feb 2011
Hey Cam12,
Are you under a doctor's care? Taking any antidepressant by someone under the age of 24 needs to be carefully monitored by their doctor and family members because of the possible side effects. That being said, if your doctor believes that the prozac will help you, then take it as prescribed. If you begin to feel more depressed or have suicidal ideation contact your doctor immediately or go to the ER for evaluation.
Good luck and keep in touch.
Cam12
1 Mar 2011
yes i am under doctor's care. he said i should take it.
LaurieShay
1 Mar 2011
Hey Cam12,
Trust your doctor and try the medication. It will take several weeks as much as a month to feel the effects of this drug. Do not take more than prescribed and if you begin to feel worse depression contact the doctor immediately.
Do you have a supportive family? It is important to have supportive people around you who can tell if you are feeling more depressed or withdrawn. Sometimes when we get depressed it is hard to reach out, so please keep your appointments with your doctor and keep posting for there are lots of supportive people on this site.
Best wishes hon,
Laurie
stopdruggingkids
6 Mar 2011
Im sorry but I find it very disturbing that you give prozac to a seven year old and I think the drug may be exagerating his symptoms because prozac can cause anxiety, agitation, confusion , violent behaviour and suicidal thoughts . He is at a crucial time in his life when his brain is growing and developing. Are you not worried about the long term effect on his health. ? Maybe what would make him happy is to be treated like a normal child of seven. !
Cathleen186
6 Mar 2011
I guess you don't remember me. You have a poor memory. You have already lectured me before. Last time, my son was only on Ritalin. Since your lecture he's now taking Prozac so I guess I wasn't listening. You've already called me a demon mother whose crippling her son for life. I am fully aware of your rhetoric standing on your pedestal preaching down to us lost souls. You're the one who doesn't get it. NEVER JUDGE SOMEONE UNTIL YOU'VE WALKED IN HIS SHOES.
DzooBaby
Bsteinbru...28 Feb 2011
One thing you want to make sure of is that it is only depression and not another mood disorder. When I was 15 I was put on an antidepressant but it made things way worse. Pretty soon after that, I found out I had bipolar II, which, when treated with only antidepressants, can cause a lot of problems.
So make sure you talk to a doctor and are completely honest about everything to be sure you have the right diagnosis. After that, just make sure you follow your doctor's orders. If you don't have a specialist, I highly suggest finding one.
Good luck!
28 Feb 2011
As a teenager your body is going through a lot of changes and it is natural to feel depressed sometimes. We would not be human if we didnt! I think our feelings are being over medicalised by the pharmaceutical companies to make more profit. Its a shame that so many youngsters are taking pills for almost everything and doctors are so quick to prescribe them. Taken longterm they can cause many side effects worse than the initial complaint! Try to look on the bright side of life if you can and add some fun to your life. You are only 14 and have your whole life infront of you. Find something to laugh about. Its the best medicine!
Tonka8561
12 Mar 2011
EXCUSE ME - SDK - how dare you tell someone who is having emotional issues to "look on the brightside" - depression is NOT a bad day, or due to an impoverished outlook. Do you even know what anahedonia is? Betcha don't! Look it up, that is IF you have a darn dictionary. Why don't you do a little research before you start spouting off about topics you know nothing whatsoever about. Have you even ever had a single bout of depression in you long and loney life? Doubt it or you wouldn't sound so inane... "find something to laugh about... " Jimeny Christmas!!!
stopdruggingkids
12 Mar 2011
Never heard the word anehedonia . It is not in the dictionary . Has it been made up I wonder for the DSM along with the hundreds of unproven, unscientific disorders? I am not sad or lonely . I just feel sad for the little kids who are having to take psychotropic drugs which can cause irreversable health problems like tardive dyskinesia . Look that up!!! Stimulant drugs can also cause weight loss, tics, liver and kidney damage,stunted growth heart defects, heart attacks and sudden death . What a huge risk to take . A behavioural problem is not an illness and it can be helped without damaging the childs health.
jk131 Mar 2011
Therapy is often the preferred route at this age, although, if you're going to need medication, Prozac is the best one on the market for teenagers. It is the most gentile out of the antidepressants, and if I'm not mistaken is why it's of the very very few antidepressant medications approved for the younger age range. Good luck, and please do note, that if you do go on medication, the medication has been shown to work better when done in conjunction with Therapy. The medication won't heal you, but therapy can.
Good luck to you!
till331 Mar 2011
yes it is safe too take it.i started at 13 with ritilin with adhd.but i just want to wish you the best of luck,and just stay off all the addictive drugs leagal and illeagal and you will live a good life.see i didnt im 34 no job mother pays bills im waiting toi get my disability which drugs cause the seizures i have.but i sufferd major depression.adhd, and also a broken back,i got addicted to pain meds when i broke my back.i am just now clean for 2 years now ,over the last 12..im just warning you dont mess with the drugs it takes everything.i have a 4 yearold daughter i havent seen since birth cant find my ex or her. well i know i talked a little much but i just want you to suceed in life.
mozie6 Mar 2011
Hi cam 12, The doctor percribe Prozac for my son it was to strong for him, but give it some time to work.At any time that you feel that the medicine is making you feel like you are not being yourself Please don't be afriad to talk to your mom or dad they will truly understand.I will be praying for you.I don't want you to be depress.
harmony 537 Mar 2011
I thought you all should know how bad Prozac can really be. I have been depressed almost my whole life and was originally on Lexapro but it just wasn't doing it. My dr. switched me to Prozac and i was on prozac for about 2 months. That's when things got really bad I was having crazy suicidal thoughts and violent out bursts. I didn't know why! I am a very nice person and usually stay at home. One night i attempted suicide and had to be rushed to the ER. While I was in the mental health ward my amazing therapist came to visit me and she had done some research on Prozac.
The FDA has actually linked prozac to many violent acts causing people to be put in jail, making depressing worse to the point of death and even worse sever birth defects. I couldn't believe it. Prozac is supposed to be helping people not make them worse!
Tonka856112 Mar 2011
Cam -
After disengaging from ridiculous one-sided arguements, which made me lose track of the objective here - you.
I am a 48 y.o., and I think I was born depressed. Even now, I have lo-grade depression, regardless of what I take, but at least it is not suicidal depression. My life did not turn out so great, because of my own ignorance and fear of going on meds. I wish my mother would have taken me to a psychiatrist when I first became symptomatic, but it wasn't until 1997 (35 y.o.) that I saw an appropriate doctor. I could not beleive it, the difference in outlook, energy. I do not want to take a trip down the Lane of Regrets, but there are a few.
If you take the Prozac, read about the drug, so you know the side effects that can happen, and if anything comes up, even the slightest, tell you parent or guardian ASAP.
The reccomendation to go to therapy simultaneously is a real good idea.
All the Best
truther97...19 Apr 2011
NO WAY!! ITS NOT SAFE FOR ANYONE ESPECIALLY TEENS! ITS CALLED AN SSRI SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REPUTAKE INHIBITOR AND A FEW OF THE MANY COMMON SIDE EFFECTS ESP. IN TEENS IS WORSE DEPRESSION AND SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND INTENSE RAGE HOPELESSNESS AND ANGER. I WAS 12 WHEN THEY STARTED DRUGGING ME UP W/ THESE THINGS AND IM 36 NOW AND HAVE BEEN ON 15+ DIFFERENT SSRIs, ANTI PSYCHOTICS, TRICYLIC-ANTIDEPRESSANTS AND ANTI ANXIETY MEDS. I AM BIPOLAR AND FOUND WHAT WORKS FOR ME FOR A GOOD 5+ YRS NOW BUT AT YOUR AGE, I WASN'T BIPOLAR AND I HAVE TO WONDER IF THE CONSTANT MEDS FOR 24 YRS GOT ME WHERE I AM TODAY. I TRIED PROZAC, PAXIL, TEGRATOL, , VALIUM, PAMALOR & ON & ON. THE ONLY ANTI DEPRESSANT THAT DID WORK FOR ME AT UR AGE--AND THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVISE, YOU SHOULD CONSULT UR DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING ANY THING-- WAS A TRICYLIC-ANTIDEPRESSANT CALLED DISIPERMENE.
Bsteinbrueck
29 Jun 2011
Sounds like you may just have never tried the right medication. Bipolar disorder should NEVER be treated with antidepressants alone. It will only "treat" one side of the symptoms, and most likely result in creating a worse imbalance of chemicals. It is slowly becoming known among psychiatrists that Bipolar Disorder must be treated with at LEAST one mood stabilizer and usually more than one medication. It's a complex disorder and therefore must be given a more complex treatment. SSRI's can be paired with mood stabilizers or other medications to successfully treat Bipolar.
So please understand, just because you were not properly treated does not mean that any certain medication should not be used for ANYONE. SHARE your opinions and experiences, don't shove them down our throats. Also, scare tactics might work in some circumstances, but psychiatric treatment is NOT one of them...
Please get a hold of yourself.
-B
smackme42019 Apr 2011
Cam12, NO! Please do NOT take ANY of these so-called "Anti-Depressants". I am 53 and suffer from chronic pain. Because of hurting DAILY for the last 15-20 years, Depression became problem #2. I think most people would be depressed if they hurt all the time. So, I fell for this scam and took EVERY kind of anti-dep. in the market. Some made me sleepy, some made me worse but, the scary part is, some made me VIOLENT! I was so angry and full of hate, I had to be confronted by a family member and with a neighbor's help (she is a nurse and has been for 34 years) I found the strength to stop. If you are not on any drug yet, please do not start. If you are, tell your doctor (pill-pusher) to help you get OFF of this poison. I don't know what is making you depressed but, when I was your age, my body (like yours) was changing. I started getting pimples, hair every where, my voice changed, and girls were starting to interest me. It is all part of growing up.
Bsteinbrueck
29 Jun 2011
Depression is not "normal". It may be more common than some disorders, but it is certainly not something that should be considered "O.K." and left untreated because of possible risks. Therapy may help some people, but for many it is not enough.
My question to you is this: Would you rather he not take the medication to avoid not being himself, and as a result allow the imbalance of chemicals in his brain lead him to damaging reactions (such as self-harm or suicide)? OR would you want him to have a chance at being able to enjoy his life now with the aid of medication (under the guidance of family and medical professionals, of course)...
Remember, everybody's different. Just because you may have experienced a situation similar to someone else does NOT mean you know exactly what they're going through. It also does not mean you should have the exact same treatment plan.
I do hope you find/have found answers for yourself, but please don't attempt to remove options from someone just because that option did not work for you.
-B
smackme420
29 Jun 2011
Cam, as you can plainly see, there are alot of people who would rather you take drugs and therefore get it in your head that every problem you have can be "fixed" by taking a pill, drink, etc. I hope those that are FOR taking pills are just ignorant and should study this issue. The rest probably had a bad experience taking chemicals and are just warning you, and that is good. A couple of know-it-alls want you to medicate yourself both physically and mentally. The result of this way of thinking? A life-long struggle with pills, doctors, and a life of misery. Try the most "natural" way of healing first!
25 Apr 2011
Hi. I'm sorry you are feeling depressed. It is hard to be a teenager. Have you ever thought about seeing a therapist? (I don't know if anyone has suggested that yet... ) You have to find the right one first, which may not be easy, but having someone to talk to will be helpful.
I only say this because one antidepressant usually leads to another, than another, and so on. I was about 12 or 13 when I was put on Prozac, I'm 26 now and haven't been off of them since. So many antidepressents have stopped working for me.
toobadgirl25 Apr 2011
I have to put my 2 cents in here. I disagree with some statements that have been made. Depression IS a medical condition. Some peoples brains do not make the chemicals needed to feel good. I am 36 and never used pulls until I was 25. I suffered years of depression. It was a black hole. I was suicidal at your age, and they sent me to therephy and my dad got violent at me after he heard me tell the truth. so maybe your home is making you sad. if you live with someone who is mean and violent-you WILL get depressed. Its hard to be happy and feel safe if your envirnment is anything but.
my suggestion is to talk to your doctor. tell em you are concerned. see if you can start on the lowest posible dose. maybe you can try every other day instead of daily? if nothing changes, try daily=then see if it works. but it does take 2 weeks to get into your system. But for me I am on wellbutrin and have been on it since 2000. i wish i had this at your age.
robinnadon16 Jun 2011
at your age you should ask you doctor about Prozac and out way the pros and cons. I can tell you there is more cons that pros. back in the early 70,80 it was some what addictive and used for party drug because it can act hmm like a sex orgy drug. the medication I am on is called amitriptyline(elavil 25 mg) it is considered new age antidepressant if you see a doctor make a list of qoustions about antidepressant and other ways to deal with been depressed. but at your age of 14 I would talk to your parents first then see your doctor first. if doc thinks you are more depressed then ask him to make a referral to see a therapist. talk therapy is very good for most teens with out drugs. but please at any point you feel you might harm your self or others get help fast phone a trusted friend or family meber or teacher.are you in Canada or the U.S.A?
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As suzanne said antidepressant medication is widely used but there are just warnings that younger people sometimes are predisposed to the side effect of suicidal thoughts and it is just warning any physician who makes the decision to use this (as well as the family) to monitor the individual for unusual behavior, let the doctor know right away if you see any side effects that are bothersome or seem to indicate that this behavior is a possibility with your young person, We wish you and her the very best, feel free to keep us informed
if you are already on prozac and it is working keep taking it, make sure to talk to your doctor and tell him your true feelings for him to treat you to the best of his knowledge if you do feel suicidal let him know talk to your parents and try to find some support groups around the neighborhood your not alone depression is very common with teenagers you just might make some great new friends
NO! Do not take ANY of these so-called new anti-depressants. These drugs work on the very chemicals the human body uses to function properly. I have tried almost every single medication out there for depression and they ALL made me act very different from the "real" me. Try talking to a counselor that CARES or maybe a best friend or clergyman. Personally, I use very small amounts of Marijuana and this works for ME. I do not recommend this for you because of your age, and the fact that this plant is illegal in most states. Please give your childhood a chance. If this is about a girl or guy, your "looks" or any other normal teenage issue, just deal with it the best you can. It WILL get better (I promise you) and someday you will look back at this and realize that whatever the issue, unless it is very serious, you will realize it was all part of growing up! And you will be a better person for it!
it is correct that there are warnings about giving these drugs to you people and there is a good reason, they have their place in medicine but you don't use them or someone younger without watching them very carefully, and then after what I've seen recently I wonder
y r u depreesed son there is no reason for that u dont need pills u need to find ur self change things around ur freinds drugs change it an stay busy if ur mind stays busy u wont b able to think like that i was very depressed for years tryed to kill myself several ways an learned its a mind thing if u cant try a pill called lily zyprexa
I agree with the pp. If your doc thinks you might benefit from it, it is okay to give it a try. However, if you notice any increased negative moods, suicidal thoughts, etc., check back with your doc ASAP! My daughter is 12 and is on 2 antidepressants... not what any of us planned on happening, but she is doing better with them, and if they get her through this rough time (that and counseling) we will allow her to take them. Just a mom who has been there! Take good care of yourself :)
I is funny how so many view this one particular medication, but it couldn't be worse than taking xanax, which took one of my friends lives a short time back... however this person was also taking methadone without the attending physician knowing and it cost her... As for prozac again I have heard alot of pros and con's in regards to this particular medication but please remember that I am sure we all remember when we were a teenager, and myself growing up in the 70's... If you are a teenager, not saying that you are, but if you are dabbling in other things such as (alcohol) you are by far going to risk more serious damage and outcome unless you stick to just the medication alone. I am not judging you, just being realistic and prozac was the first medication when I was 19 that i took for my depression, and I knew in about a month, that no this one was not for me, but everyone is different... read up on it alot, take in all the information that you can and weigh your options o.k... be careful... blaze22
blaze--- well said! I never thought about that aspect--other drugs or alcohol being mixed with it... that is dangerous and deadly!
Talk to a doctor about it. I'm 19 and have been taking Prozac since I was 12.