Quote:
Originally Posted by VickiesPath
This is only my opinion but prescribing SSRI's for children under 18 is risky business even if the dx of bipolar is correct. Plus, if you give someone with bipolar an SSRI (Zoloft) you MUST also give them a mood stabilizer such as depakote or lithium or they will most certainly have more mood swings into manic or hypomanic states. SSRI's w/o mood stabilizers will induce mood instability. I would go back to that doctor and question the medications and specifically ask about a mood stabilizer.
PS. I've been bipolar all my life and i'm 58 years old and medicated successfully.
Best of luck to you and your daughter.
|
All of the replies above are good ones and please note that I was speaking only of SSRI's and only of children under 18. Welbutrin is approved for depression for children under 18 and there are probably others by now as well. However, the rule of thumb about SSRI's vs. mood stabilizers in bipolar treatment is pretty standard. Open communication with your doctors is the best advice and also, researching these diseases on your own is the best way for you to keep yourself abreast of all of the changes in medication routines and in news about the diseases themselves. I wish you the best in finding a solution for your family.
