Guide to Psychiatric Medications for Children and Adolescents - Psychiatric Medications for Treatment of Children and Adolescents
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CLASS: Anxiolytic (benxodiazepine)
| Benefits: Reduces panic anxiety symptoms. Generally used for short term treatment.
Side Effects: Sedation, dizziness. | ||
| MEDICATION NAME | NOTES | |
| Brand Name | Generic Name | |
| Xanax Xanax XR | alprazolam | Can cause paradoxical hyperexcitability especially in young children. Is occasionally used for the treatment of mania. Often works immediately. |
| Klonopin | clonazepam | |
| Ativan | lorazepam | |
CLASS: Anxiolytics
| Benefits: Used for the treatment of general anxiety symptoms—not helpful for separation anxiety or social phobia.
Side Effects: Dizziness, nausea, sedation. | ||
| MEDICATION NAME | NOTES | |
| Brand Name | Generic Name | |
| Buspar | buspirone | Often takes several weeks to work. |
CLASS: Hypnotics (sleep)
| Benefits: Enhances sleep onset and quality of sleep.
Side Effects: Dizziness, can cause paradoxical hyperexcitability especially in young children. | ||
| MEDICATION NAME | NOTES | |
| Brand Name | Generic Name | |
| Ambien Ambien CR | zolpidem | These medications are generally not used as a first line treatment of insomnia. Understanding and dealing with the underlying issues that are disrupting sleep is always the first step. |
| Lunesta | eszopiclone | |
| Sonata | zaleplon | |
| Rozerem | ramelteon | |
CLASS: Mood Stabilizers
| Benefits: Treats the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Side Effects: Excessive thirst, frequent urination gastrointestinal symptoms, acne, weight gain. | ||
| MEDICATION NAME | NOTES | |
| Brand Name | Generic Name | |
| Lithium Lithobid Eskalith | lithium | Requires frequent monitoring of lithium blood level, thyroid and kidney functioning. Excessive doses are dangerous. The most established and well studied medication for bipolar disorder. |
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reviewed by:
Harry Croft, MD (Psychiatrist)
Medical Director, HealthyPlace.com
Created on January 07, 2009 Last Updated on July 06, 2011
In Parenting
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