Prozac Side Effects in Children

Prozac is the trade name for the compound fluoxetine, which belongs to the class of drugs that are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These compounds are typically used for the treatment of depression, and other associated psychological and personality disorders, and they work by means of a complex mechanism, that inhibits the 'reuptake' of the neurotransmitter serotonin, thereby increasing its extracellular levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is known to promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Prozac is one of the most widely prescribed drugs for the treatment of depression. Antidepressants can have some serious side effects and though the subject of depression in adults has been studied in depth, depression in children is yet to be studied in as much detail. As a result, the prescription of antidepressants such as fluoxetine is widely debated, more so because of the possibility of triggering side effects.

For the most part, depression in adults and children is considered a treatable condition. In the case of adolescents, an estimated 5%, are affected by Major Depressive Disorders, (MDD) which calls therefore for the prescription of antidepressant medication. A number of SSRIs have shown to promote beneficial effects in those suffering from MDDs, in combination with some form of psychotherapy. Prozac has been prescribed for those suffering from a wide range of disorders, including, but not restricted to:

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Panic Disorder
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Recent clinical trials have also brought to light some contrary behavioral patterns and serious Prozac side effects in children. It has been found that they may promote suicidal thoughts and behavior in adolescents and children. As a result, the FDA issued a public warning in 2004, about the increased risk of suicidal behavior in children who were on prescription drugs including Prozac and other SSRIs.

As per clinical trials that were conducted on children taking antidepressants, it was found that approximately 4% on this kind of depression medication reported the incidence of increased suicidal thoughts, which in some cases, also lead to subsequent suicide attempts. In response to these findings, the FDA issued a black box label warning, which is the gravest warning issued in prescription drug labeling standards, which required that pharmaceutical companies involved in the manufacture of SSRI antidepressants, carry a warning on their labels, about the heightened risk of suicidal behavior in children on such mediation.

As a result of the gravity of such findings, it's imperative that children on such medication be closely watched for any signs that may indicate further exacerbation of depression symptoms, in the first four weeks of consumption. In addition, the following are some signs to watch out for:

• Sudden behavioral changes
• Sleeplessness
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Agitation or aggression
• Antisocial behavior
• Irritability

Although Prozac was approved as an antidepressant medication for pregnancy, there is a risk of the medication being transmitted to the infant through breast milk, consequently leading to research on Prozac side effects in infants. These may include serious implications such as life-threatening infections. Prozac has been prescribed for children as young as 3½, with some psychiatrists of the opinion that medication can help with the stress of social interaction, and antidepressants may in certain cases, smoothen a potentially turbulent transition. Although the subject of preschoolers on Prozac came under heavy debate, prescription continued for children who were found to respond well to this medication, despite the threat of potential side effects.

There is insufficient evidence for conclusive data on Prozac side effects in children, but it has been established that for a small percentage, there may be significant risks, with an increase in suicidal thoughts, behavior and potential attempts. These effects are considerably heightened when Prozac is prescribed to people under the age of 25, and as such such patients need to be closely monitored for changes in behavior that may signal a downward turn.