Zoloft & children

Posted by Anna on May 13, 1999 at 08:06:35
My 13 year old son (who is bigger than I am) was diagnosed with irritable bowel earlier this year.  The pain has been almost constant.  He has become depressed (talking about suicide)about it but along the way the old psychiatrist thought anxiety might be aggravating it so he was taking Bentyl for the cramping, a minimal dose of Valium (2mg per day) for anxiety and muscle relaxing and just started Wellbutrin for depression.  We went to see a "holistic" psychiatrist yesterday and he said to drop the Wellbutrin and start Zoloft and Adderal (he also has mild ADD).
He is to keep up the Valium for the time being.  My son says he will not really kill himself and using Zoloft (he also mentioned Prozac, but I said "no") really scares me.  Also, school is almost over so I'm not sure why we need Adderall (adderrall).  The PDR says becareful mixing Valium and Zoloft so that makes me nervous too.
Any thoughts?  He is also seeing a pain/stress management psychologist whom he likes very much.  

Posted by HFHS M.D.-SW on May 20, 1999 at 10:13:21
Dear Anna,
It is not uncommon for children to suffer depression when they have a
chronic medical illness especially with pain.  All of the antidepressants are equally effective for the
treatment of depression, so I am not sure the rationale for switching
from Wellbutrin to Zoloft.  In fact there is some literature to suggest that
Wellbutrin may be helpful in patients with ADD, whereas antidepressants
in the class of Zoloft, the so-called SSRIs, do not appear to be
efficacious in ADD.
There is no bonified research to suggest that antidepressants such as
Zoloft or Prozac cause suicide.  They in fact treat the depression which
is a risk for suicide.
Drugs such as Valium and Zoloft can be used conjointly.  Your doctor
can help you and your son look at side effects which could be troubling.
Adderal is helpful for ADD, but will not impact his pain complaints or
depression.
It may be helpful to get a second opinion regarding your son's diagnosis,
as treatment will always be determined by the diagnostic picture
This reply is offered for general information only. Always contact your
physician.
Sincerly,
   HFHS MD-SW
*Keywords: Depression, Pain, ADD