Prozac and childhood anxiety

[kidhelp2]

We have son who is almost 6 and has been dx with anxiety.  We were mostly worried about how it affected him at school (he was crying a lot because he was afraid of not knowing what to do and couldn't ask for help....the kinder year is almost over and he's still crying at least 3 times a week for the same reason).  It's now starting to affect him at baseball, bday parties, playdates, etc.  After talking to his psychiatrist, she recommended a low does of Prozac.  Would like to know of side affects, will he ever be able to come off of it or rely on it for ever.  The dr's goal is to retrain his thinking and slowly take him off.  Any thoughts would be appreciated!!

[Sandman2]

   34 students ! oh lord - my kindergarten teachers would have maybe 30 for one hour in the middle of the day.  Most of the day, they had about 21 kids - and that was too many.  There is no way (especially with problem kids in the class) that she would be aware of what he is doing as long as he is the quiet kid.  That may be changing now that you are getting more involved.  
  Ask the teacher or maybe one of the helpers to (very ) quietly and gently  ask him what he is supposed to do after directions have been given.  They want to see if he is paying attention and knows what to do.   Then relay this information to the psyc.  I've got a feeling he feels totally lost in that crowd.

[kidhelp2]

I have helped out in his class on a few occasions.  He interacts well with his peers.  I have noticed that when he sits on the carpet in the morning when all the assignments are being explained, he's looking around, fidgeting with the carpet, but this isn't all the time that I've been there.  When I spoke to the teacher she says that she thinks he's paying attention and listening.  But I think if that were the case, he'd know what to do.  It may look like he's listening but he's really thinking of other stuff, like he usually does at home.  I just think that because there are 34 students in his Kinder class, there's just not enough teachers to go around.  She does have two mommy helpers there each day and I think one assistant.  I have asked her to let the helpers know of our plan to help him through the day and she said she would.  I also think that because of all the problem kids in the class not everyone can get the help they need.  

[Sandman2]

     One reason I mentioned the ADD thing is that I am also the CL on the ADHD forum - http://www.medhelp.org/forums/ADD---ADHD/show/175  and this really does sound familiar to me.    The fact that the anxiety was not a problem in preschool is a huge red flag to me.  Also, ADD is very difficult to pick up just by visiting with a psyc.  One reason the clinical standards say that it must be present in two or more places is to eliminate a psyc from making a quick decision based on an office visit.  The "test"  should be a questionnaire to both his preschool teacher and you.  
    There is a lot that can be done to help him in school.  My first thought is that if you have not visited the classroom, I would do so.  You need to see how he interacts.  I am also very curious as to how the teacher works with him.  There are numerous good teacher techniques in this link.  See how many his teacher is using.    http://www.additudemag.com/topic/adhd-learning-disabilities/adhd-teachers.html
   And yes, I think getting him examined for ADD would be a good thing.  The school could do this, but your own doctor will be much faster.
   But, if you have not done so, I repeat - you really need to go to school to see what is going on.  There is a lot that teachers can do to relieve or create stress.  And I would certainly be working on that before trying any anti psychotics.

[kidhelp2]

Thank you for the links!  We've had those "When I feel books" for a long time now and have always read them to him.  We have been wondering if he does have some sort of ADD.  He's not a hyper kid at all, I think it's more the focus and not being able to remember details.  I pick him up from school and ask about his day and he says he doesn't remember.  But, like most of my friends, they say their kids do the same thing.  I'm so confused by all of this.  He was perfectly fine in preschool, then once he started Kinder, it's just been downhill.  I'm having the teacher remind him of the instructions once he's in his group time and before every assignment.  That way, he might feel a little more comfortable.  Maybe I'll email him Psych. and see if he can be tested.

[Sandman2]

    True, but anxiety is a co-disorder with AD/HD and he does have some of the symptoms of Predominantly Inattentive Type or ADD.  You might want to check out this link.  http://www.help4adhd.org/en/about/what/WWK8
   I think the big question is did he have these anxieties before starting school?
   One thing that you also might want to try is a series of books  (The Way I Feel books) aimed at the 4 to 7 year old crowd.  The books are meant to be read to them and then practiced.  Basically, they give them and you a common strategy to deal with a child's problems.  A good start might be "When I feel worried", found here -  
                  http://www.amazon.com/When-Feel-Worried-The-Way/dp/0807588938/ref=pd_sbs_b_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=1FWDCSCAMZ0TYHQZCYPC
     and you will find other books listed below on the link.
     Also, his teachers can be very helpful by letting him have a worry ball, chew gum, get up and walk around, have a special place to go - essentially ways to relieve anxiety.
    Hope this helps.  I feel for the little guy!

[kidhelp2]

They drs. don't think that he has ADHD or any other disorder.  He just has a fear of not knowing what to do and instead of asking for help like most kids he will sit there and cry.  It's like the pressure is just to much for him.  I have the teachers help with trying certain things in class.  I also give him flax seed in as much food as possible for the OMEGA'S and I also spray him down morning and night with Magnesium oil.  I have also been giving him Bach Rescue Remedy for kids, which was suggested by his Psyc. before trying the Prozac.  We'll see if that combo helps.  In my opinion, he just lacks confidence to know that he really does know the answer.  Most times, I'll ask him to look at the paper and figure it out and he can do it.  His automatic reaction to getting an assignment is "I don't know what to do".  I've read that kids with anxiety often have self confidence issues.

[Sandman2]

   Celexa and Lexapro are probably more effective, but Prozac lasts longer which is probably why it is suggested more for younger people.  Good summary of all the meds here with side effects etc. - http://www.crazymeds.us/pmwiki/MedClass/Anxiety
  But all in all these are strong meds and certainly would be a last resort.  However, if nothing else is working then the doctors goal makes sense.
   You said he is, "still crying at least 3 times a week for the same reason."  What is the reason?  I also assume that you have ruled out anxiety causing things like AD/HD or Sensory Processing Disorder?

[TigerSwan1985]

do not go with prozac there or much safer meds out there especially for a child. suicidal thoughts and tendencies is the biggest side effect. it also causes zombie like behavior, confusion, and sleep walking. ask about Celexa or lexapro, lexapro most likely being the best choice since it doesn't have the harmful effects. honestly I would go to a different doctor for a second opinion.