Celexa used in children.

My son is 9 years old (soon to be 10.) He was diagnosed with ADHD at age 5 and was recently diagnosed with OCD/Anxiety disorder. His Dr. has prescribed him Celexa for the OCD/Anxiety disorder. I have read that this medication is not recommended in children. Is it safe for him to take this medication? Or is there anywhere I can look for information on the use of this medication in children?

[specialmom]

You could contact the manufacturer or go to their website---  I believe it is Forest Pharmaceuticals.  (Celexa is not generic but the original manufacturer was Forest.)  The class of meds that your son was prescribed usually is not "indicated" for children according to the pi (package insert----  the bible if you will regarding a drug).  However, the class of drugs has been used for years in kids (good or bad).  The issue is that no company would risk the liability of enrolling children into the studies the FDA requires to prove the drugs safety.  The class of drugs is fairly safe (especially so in adults) and work very well.  But I don't know for sure what happens with kids.  I would hope that your doctor has much experienc prescribing seratonin reuptake inhibitors in his pediatric practice and is this a psychiatrist (I'd be much more comfortable if it were).  You could try googling this info too to see what other parents say about their kids on the med.  Many adults have taken it too----  so maybe the anxiety forum at medhelp would provide some specific answers for you.  I think side effects are usually start up side effects and go away.  But never stop these drugs cold turkey---  wean off.  I don't know if that helps.  One last thing, all meds like this work better in conjunction with talk therapy.  Good luck.

[jdtm]

I belong to a support group for teachers and parents of children suffering from anxiety.  Many of the children take medication - including Celexa.  About four children in our group are on this medication (all in conjuction with intervention and/or therapy).  For these children, this "drug" seems to work the best with the fewest side effects.  Our child takes Celexa - before that Prozac and Effexor.  Celexa is the best one for her - so far.  However, as the above poster stated, be sure  the doctor prescribing the medication is one whom is very knowledgeable in psychiatric medications.  The method should always be "go low and go slow".  Sometimes, we just have to choose the "lesser of two evils".  I wish you the best ....