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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
Question abt medications for female teen with depression/ADD and seizure history
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
Question abt medications for female teen with depression/ADD and seizure history
by october1, Nov 22, 2002 12:00AM
My daughter is 13 yrs old with recent and progressive onset of depression (over past 9 months or so). She has been seeing a psychologist and was recently evaluated by a psychiatrist who recommended Wellbutrin. Since my daughter also has a history of ADD (not hyperactivity) we thought it was a good drug of choice...UNTIL we learned that seizures are a worrisome side effect.
My daughter had a few seizures from approx age 7-10 - those we observed. Although she had fever associated with them, the onset of the seizures was in later childhood, which we are told is an unusual time for febrile seizures to start.
We tried her on Adderal for the ADD, and she had a major seizure after taking 1-2 weeks of the medication - She did have a fever at the time, also. We all agree that a course of medication in conjuction w/ therapy to treat the depression is the right thing to do.
Because Wellbutrin has both stimulant and antidepressant qualities, it seemed like a good choice but of course we are concerned about the possible side effect of seizures. Effexor is the next recommendation.
Another concern I have about SSRI's is the possible side effects of somnolence, etc worsening the ADD.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
I look forward to your response.
My daughter had a few seizures from approx age 7-10 - those we observed. Although she had fever associated with them, the onset of the seizures was in later childhood, which we are told is an unusual time for febrile seizures to start.
We tried her on Adderal for the ADD, and she had a major seizure after taking 1-2 weeks of the medication - She did have a fever at the time, also. We all agree that a course of medication in conjuction w/ therapy to treat the depression is the right thing to do.
Because Wellbutrin has both stimulant and antidepressant qualities, it seemed like a good choice but of course we are concerned about the possible side effect of seizures. Effexor is the next recommendation.
Another concern I have about SSRI's is the possible side effects of somnolence, etc worsening the ADD.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
I look forward to your response.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Nov 22, 2002 12:00AM
, Nov 22, 2002 12:00AM
The use of Wellbutrin in a child with documented history of seizures would cause alarm. Relative to the use of SSRI to treat the depression, it is a sound choice. Yes, somnolence can occur, but this is not very likely, and if it does occur it is not a side effect that poses medical risk. A switch in med or change in dose can occur. There is little risk of worsening any attentional symptoms.
