Medications for Long-Term Treatment of Depression, Anxiety, and Related Disorders
Medication | Uses | Starting Dose* | Dose Range* | Comments/Precautions† |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OCD children ≥ 7 years | 10 mg | 10–40 mg/day | — | |
GAD in children 7–17 years | 30 mg | 30–120 mg/ day | — | |
Major depression in children ≥ 12 years | 10 mg | 10–20 mg/day | — | |
OCD, GAD, separation anxiety, social anxiety, major depression in children > 8 years | 10 mg | 10–60 mg/day | Long-half life | |
GAD, separation anxiety, social anxiety, OCD in children > 8 years | 25 mg | 50–200 mg/day | For doses > 50 mg/day, divided into 2 doses/day, with the larger dose given at bedtime | |
OCD in children > 6 years | 10 mg | 10–60 mg/day | Increased weight | |
OCD, GAD, separation anxiety, social anxiety in children ≥ 6 years | 25 mg | 25–200 mg/day | — | |
Depression in children ≥ 8 years | 12.5 mg | 12.5 mg twice a day to 25 mg three times a day | Limited data about dose and concerns about increased suicidal behavior; not as effective as other drugs, possibly because low doses have been used | |
GAD in children > 7 years | 37.5 mg | 37.5–225 mg once a day | ||
* Unless otherwise stated, dose is given once a day. Starting dose is increased only if needed. Dose ranges are approximate. Interindividual variability in therapeutic response and adverse effects is considerable. This table is not a substitute for the full prescribing information. | ||||
† Behavioral adverse effects (eg, disinhibition, agitation) are common but are usually mild to moderate. Usually, decreasing the medication dose or changing to a different medication eliminates or reduces these effects. Rarely, such effects are severe (eg, aggressiveness, increased suicidality). Behavioral adverse effects are idiosyncratic and may occur with any antidepressant and at any time during treatment. As a result, children and adolescents taking such medications must be closely monitored. | ||||
GAD = generalized anxiety disorder; OCD = obsessive compulsive disorder. | ||||