About Depression Washington DC

by Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld

Overall, 6 percent of children and teenagers in the United States take medication for depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other behavioral and emotional problems. Many of the drugs, especially the antidepressants, are the same as those given to adults, but have not been approved by the FDA for children. The best known of these is Prozac (fluoxetine).

Here's What's New

After reviewing all available data, the FDA now believes that there is enough evidence of Prozac's effectiveness to warrant its approval for treating depression in children older than age 7. However, parents of these children should know that Prozac can have such adverse effects as nausea, fatigue, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and nervousness. And they should bear in mind an additional adverse effect unique to kids and teenagers: They may grow more slowly and gain less weight. Researchers are trying to determine whether these children eventually catch up.

What's true for Prozac doesn't necessarily apply to other drugs classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). For example, the FDA has ruled that Paxil (paroxetine) should not be taken by anyone younger than age 18 because it is associated with a possible increased risk of suicidal impulses.

The Bottom Line

Depressed children and teenagers may be treated with Prozac if their doctors believe the symptoms are serious enough to justify it. Such therapy is safe, according to the FDA. But if your child is taking Prozac, make sure a pediatrician closely monitors his or her weight and growth.

What the Doctor Ordered?

Antidepressants -- Another Cause of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

As we get older, blood vessels in the stomach and, to a lesser extent, the small intestine, become more vulnerable to irritation and bleeding. That's why older people who regularly take aspirin and/or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen), have a higher incidence of these complications.

Here's What's New

Researchers in Denmark have found that the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the newest antidepressants, are associated with a significantly increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. These drugs, the best known of which are Prozac (fluoxetine) and Paxil (paroxetine) but there are many others, are widely used throughout the world. A study of 26,000 patients taking SSRIs concluded that these drugs caused more stomach bleeding when taken alone and were especially risky when combined with either aspirin (5.2 times the incidence of bleeding) or an NSAID (12.2 times the risk). The researchers believe that some interaction between the antidepressant and the blood platelets accounts for this adverse effect.

The Bottom Line

If you're taking an SSRI, watch for evidence of bleeding from your intestinal tract -- especially if you're older and also taking aspirin or an NSAID. Look for black stools, which indicate the presence of blood, and have them routinely checked by your doctor. (Note that iron supplements also can make stools black.) Report any stomach pain to your doctor; there are other categories of antidepressants that can be prescribed.