Hello Board.

I have a 9 year old daughter diagnosed with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) as well as generalized or cluster anxiety. All of the symptoms began last April 2003. We have just now decided it's time to try medication.

Her doctor has recommended 2.5mg of Lexapro (anti-depressant). Does anyone have any information or experience with this drug on their children?

I've checked out the internet for info but am not finding much. Any information would be very much appreciated.

Thank you.

Please, please check out alternative treatments before puting your daughter on lexapro. Lexapro is a newer version of celexa. It is supposed to have fewer side effects - though all I've read doesn't support this. I was on celexa for 18 mos. I didn't enjoy the side effects or withdrawal I went through when getting off. I have been successfully treating my depression, anxiety for 9mos naturally. I am not an expert so please get another dr opinion, psychiatrist perhaps. Also, drs. tend to prefer prescription drugs over natural remedies and nutrition/lifestyle changes as treatment. If you have access to a wholistic health care provider or herbal specialist I would recommend you discuss this with one. Best wishes.

my 11 year old has obsessive-compulsive disorder and was put on Lexapro and she also seen a psychotherapist 1 time a week and now she is doing fine.. good luck

Sometimes OCD does come out of nowhere. It can be genetic as well. There doesn't always have to have a reason. OCD is not soothing, it does not help the patient feel better about underlying causes.(if there is any) Sometimes OCD does have a triggering event but not in all cases.
Now saying this, I'm on the fence. I've been on a LOT of antidepressants over the years and sometimes the side effects are intolerable...some make the problem even worse. I'm not against medication however; I think there are drugs that do work for some people, perhaps even your daughter.
But I would consider other alternatives at this age and a visit to a psychiatrist is essential. She is very young to be on such heavy drugs but if the psychiatrist finds that her symptoms are severe enough, then there's no question. If he/she finds that her symptoms are mild to moderate, they may suggest talk therapy as a first option.
I feel for you. It must feel just terrible knowing that your daughter is suffering and you want to do the right thing for her but everyone is on different sides of the fence on how to go about it.
The silver lining is that these symptoms have been detected very early and therefore her prognosis is positive.
I wish you and your daughter the strength to follow your hearts on what to do.
By the way, how does your daughter feel about taking medication?

Meg

My son is 11 years old and he takes zoloft..50 mg. His pediatrician says that Zoloft is the only one approved for children. It has worked wonders for him.

There have been many stories in the news recently about anti-depressants & Children- I heard last night on the news that Prozac is the only with an approval to be used on children- both Zoloft and Paxil were featured during this story- and the side effects for both were horrible. I would seek out a second opinion before opting for medication. I have personally seen the effects of Zoloft on a Teenager- they were not good, makes her tired, with absolutely no interest in anything but sitting on the couch & watching TV, also she experienced a large amount of weight loss which was not needed. Now the side effects of going off of the medication will be worse than staying on it- so she is in a major catch 22.

Good Luck to you.