Meds for 11-year old - Anxiety Message Board

KBT's mom · 12-10-2006, 07:59 AM

Recently my daughter's doc prescribed Lexapro 5mg for her mood and behavioral problems that we have been dealy with for several years now. I was very nervous to start her on this type of drug, but I was to the point that I wanted anything that would help. The Lexapro has helped a lot! Her moods have greatly improved and even her teachers (not knowing that she started the drug) have commented that they can notice a difference in her. The problem is that my daughter already has a weight problem and I am very nervous about this drug causing her to gain more. The only drug that I have found in my research to not cause weight gain is Wellbutrin. It looks to me that Wellbutrin is not a SSI drug and I was wondering if it would help with her type of problems. I don't think my daughter is depressed, for some reason she just can't control her moods. Maybe I don't understand the definition of depression. Anyway, can anyone inform me more on Wellbutrin verses the SSI drugs and if you they would have the same effect?

ocdengineer · 12-10-2006, 08:10 AM

In my opinion 11 is a little young to be on medication of this type, but I don't know the story behind it so I can't pass any kind of judgement.

The wellbutrin could work the same or may not. All people react differently to all drugs and there has been very little done as far as studies of these types of meds for children. Keep a very close eye on her because these drugs have been shown to increase the possibility of suicide amoung minors.

Do you mind if I ask what kind of behavioral issues she is having? That could help in answering your question fully.

I hope all is well with her now.

Take care,
OE

j2006 · 12-10-2006, 08:14 AM

I thought Wellbutrin is an SSRI. I could be wrong though. My niece had the same problem going on a drug at a young age. She too had a slight weight problem. When she was put on meds for a short time she gain in the begining and then when the meds kicked in she was really happy and able to do things again like she used to and then the weight came off. Did you explain to the doctor your concerns about her weight? If the Lexapro is working I wouldn't worry about the weight. Is she worried about the weight? Did she gain weight from Lexapro?