[9874]

My son's therapist says he should be on anti-anxiety drugs. He has stayed home from school for weeks at a time this past year. He is anxious to begin with but the additional stresses of school are too much for him. During July and August he attends day camp and has no problem getting out of bed, he runs..... cuz there's no stress, there's just fun....
Anyway, today he stayed in bed and said he's anxious about having not completed his homework. He hadn't completed it because he was unable to, did not know the answers to the question on the sheet. I had to physically remove him from bed and forcefully take him to the bus, amidst protests and tears. But I didn't want to start another cycle of staying home, as had happened the previous year.
So I called his psychotherapist. And he said "Don't you see your son need medication for the anxiety?"
Here's the thing. My son has already been on prozac and I saw absolutely no difference. He has been on propranalol and risperdol and it only made him very sedated.
The question I have now is: What kind of medication can I give to my child, that will lessen the anxiety, to the point where the anxiety doesn't interfere with his going to school. And without side effects such as tiredness or weight gain (he gained 10 pounds on zyprexa, or rispersal) ?
I somehow don't see that medication would lessen the anxiety (without the negative side effects of the meds). But if you have any ideas I'd so much appreciate hearing them.
Thanks!

[ickydog2006]

Sounds like you figured it out... there is no magic pill.

I can almost guarantee that with any med there will be at least one negative side affect.

In my opinion it comes down to will it do more harm than good? And I don't think anyone here can tell you a definite answer to that.

I hope everything works out okay though, with whatever option you choose.

[Rhapsody]

Try a natural route with................ VALERIAN ROOT .

[LillyAnn]

Has his therapist mentioned social anxiety to you?

Lexapro and Paxil are both used for anxiety and can help your child feel more comfortable in social situations.

One thing you can do if your not already doing it is monitor his school work - be aware what homework he needs to get done and if he needs any help. If he can go to school prepared he will feel more comfortable.

[Sarah116]

Aw poor little guy! Why Zyprexa and Risperdal did Prozac work at all compared to the others? Let him be in it too! Talk with him stay calm, this sounds serious and for a reason too. Let him stay home for a day maybe if he wants and talk with him. He needs help and you are his big source of it! God bless you all!

[nothemama8]

is it possible to find a home schooling program for him, (IMO prozac might be too harsh) read up on all meds