If Your child is on Medication

If your child is already being treated with one of the antidepressant medications and is doing well, then your child should continue with that treatment.  If you have questions, doubts or concerns, you should talk with your child's physician.

What should you look for when monitoring your child on an antidepressant medication?

•  Watch for any behaviors, symptoms/or complaints that appear in your child for the first time, seem worse, or worry you or your child.

•  Watch for any suicidal symptoms in your child - such as ideas of hurting oneself, thoughts or threats of committing suicide or any self-harming behaviors or suicide attempts.

•  Watch for signs of new or increased depressed mood or anxiety (including nervousness, panic attacks) in your child.

•  Also watch for any of the following symptoms that may appear in your child: insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, and impulsivity.

•  If any of these behaviors or symptoms appears, you should immediately contact your child's physician for guidance.

REMEMBER: Only you, your child and your physician can look at all the specific information and make an informed and appropriate decision about using an antidepressant medication.