Prozac in Children

My 9 year old daughter was just prescribed Prozac.  I am reluctant to start giving her this medication, as I haven't been able to find any long-term studies about it; are their any adults who took it as a child and had long-term negative or positive effects?  Does it slow growth in children?  Are their negative effects on school performance?  I would really appreciate a doctor's opinion, or any other person who has had a child who has taken Prozac.  

Thanks so much.

[xanweaner]

You have a valid concern. Please take a moment to read some of Dr. Peter Breggin's work - just google him. He's a highly respected psychiatrist who is also an advocate for children. Certainly, slow growth could be your concern, but there are far more serious potential adverse effects that can occur. I'm sure you are aware of the newer labeling changes that the FDA has required regarding the usage of SSRI's on children under eighteen.
It all comes down to a risk/benefit ratio plus you need to read everything that you can about this subject.
You can also post your question in the Medical Expert Forum - under Mental Health. Dr. Gould is the psychiatrist who handles this.
My best to you and your daughter.

[xanweaner]

I just did a quick overview on Prozac and children, and found a portion of a letter that you might want to read. Dr. Loren Mosher, who also is a highly respected psychiatrist has also worked as an advocate for mental health patients. He is part of the group that this letter originates from.
Here is the excerpt:

To: Thomas Insel MD; Tommy Thompson
Re: Published NIMH Prozac Trial Report Concealed Suicide Attempts by Teens

ALLIANCE FOR HUMAN RESEARCH PROTECTION
(AHRP)
Tel. [phone] Fax: [phone]

142 West End Ave. Suite 28P
New York, NY 10023


Related Link:
NIMH Response to AHRP Letter

Board of Directors:

Vera Hassner Sharav, President
John H. Noble, Jr., Ph.D, Treasurer
David Cohen, Ph.D, Secretary
Loren Mosher, MD
Meryl Nass, MD
Sally Rogow, Ed.D.

June 22, 2004

Thomas Insel, MD
Director
National Institute of Mental Health

Re: Published NIMH Prozac Trial Report Concealed Suicide Attempts by Teens
___________________________________________________________________

You should be able to access this by googling the organization. Hope it's of value.