Celexa used in children.

[c00kie2006]

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 ....

[saintmarie]

Celexa is a more preferred drug for OCD at a low dose for children. This drug seems to work the best with the fewest side effects. If you don't mind what type of OCD subject is it?

[Mommamiz]

I realize your comment is from 9.5 years ago....mostly catching my eye because my son was born 6/06 :) We are now going through the ADHD/OCD/Anxiety diagnosis. I feel lost and wondered if you have any advice on what you came across that worked for you? How is your son? Thanks for your time!

[Sandman2]

One thing to keep in mind is that anxiety is a common  co-disorder of ADHD.  And, of course, this is because the poor kid has no clue why he is having the problems he is having.   Many times in treating the ADHD effectively (both medication and behavioral therapy) the anxiety will be taken care of.  
   And, sometimes, the anxiety also has to be dealt with depending on the type of anxiety the child has.   And depending on the type - its a good idea to first treat one condition for awhile, then the other.
    There is lots of info on anxiety (and ADHD).  Here is one example - http://www.additudemag.com/slideshow/148/slide-1.html
   And then check out these links on anxiety and adhd in kids.  http://www.additudemag.com/search/google.html?match_words=anxiety+adhd&x=0&y=0
    I have lots more info if you need it.  Just ask :)

[AshlieD405]

My 5-year-old son just started taking Celexa tonight. He's diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety disorder and severe separation anxiety as well as a mood disorder.  I'm noticing some restlessness and probably should have waited to give him the pill in the morning.  I was wondering how your son did on the medication so far?

[Oahugirl]

Most people on here should really look up the MTHFR genetic defect (and some other defects) which can cause things like add, ocd, anxiety, and so on. These defects are not made better with pharma drugs...the kids need proper nutrition. And they need to eat organic and drink clean water. They are deficient in vitamins and/or minerals that no longer exist in conventional pesticide filled soil that regular fruits/veggies grow in. There are so many things to help cure these kids without putting them on drugs that don't actually cure the root cause of their illness. Just look up things on YouTube or on Google. Type in "ADD and MTHFR" or "Anxiety and MTHFR"...you get the picture. Drugs will never actually fix the problem permanently or cure them. Also, lots of those drugs can make kids suicidal and cause all sorts of other side effects. If you think you got problems before the drugs, wait until the child has been on it for years and grows up. You'll wish you hadn't put them on it then.

[Sandman2]

Well, Oahugirl, you are partially right.  ADHD is passed on from parents or other members of the family in most cases.  All studies show that medication and behavioral therapy is the best answer.  There is no proof of your ideas.  It would be wonderful if they were true -- and if they were, the internet would be full of success stories.  And actually studies show that kids who have been treated with stimulation medications are much less prone to self medicate later on.  
    In fact, you say, there are so many things that can help cure these kids.  You have no idea what ADHD is.  It cannot be cured.  It is with you for life.  The goal is to learn how to deal and live with it.

[Kammiemaxwell]

My daughter was on celexa for over 2 years for her anxiety at school, there wasn't really a problem at home.but she's no longer on the meds since she has gotten older and is doing just fine without them, and had zero side effects. Her diet didn't change. So I have to strongly disagree with your statement. All parents can't afford simply organics all the time, it's a total lifestyle change for the entire family. When it's not the problem at all. What works for some kids doesn't work for all. Everyone should remember that. Did you or do you have a child on add/adhd meds? Or are you just reading articles?

[CountryMama3]

Oahugirl
My son eats every vegetable,  meat,  fruit,  drinks water,  juices,  and milk. He has ADD/ADHD and experiences anxiety. I refused to put him onedication but came to realization that he needed help and if I kept refusing he wouldn't be happy in life and wouldn't be 6 to succeed in life.  That would basically be child abuse in my eyes depriving him of the ability to succeed.  So maybe you need to have a child (but for the world please don't)  and experience what mothers like us experience everyday and every moment of the day.  People like you who throw things like that out and accuse people of crap but have no knowledge of what it's like really boils me.  For one to be knowledgeable in something knows from their own experience

[CountryMama3]

My son has ADD/ADHD and he takes vyvanse but the doctor also prescribed guafacine which is normally used with people with high blood pressure but it has been found that it works bettt6with children with ADD/ADHD. I really have seen a change in his anxiety and levels the vyvanse chemistry out.  You should speak to your doctor about it.  They say vyvanse is better for children to take anyway.