My son has been diagnosed with depression. After a visit to his dr a couple weeks, he told us that the dr thought he may be depressed. He has had a series of blood labs done to rule out other medical problems. She has prescribed Prozac. In the last 2 weeks, we have made some positive family changes and changed our interactions with our son & have seen a big mood change. He has agreed to talk with a counselor. I would like to try other options of treatment before jumping into the prozac and see if that is effective along with talk therapy but I don't know what other effective treatment options there are. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
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Q: What other options can I try to use before giving my 15 year old son Prozac?
Answers (2)
2/ 9/11 11:43am
Hi there
I am glad that you are seeing more of a difference now that you are trying some things. I agree with you...meds should maybe be used after other options have been tried. It really depends on your son though and...what type of depression he has and what is causing it.
Some things to try:
Exercise and movement helps a lot of people feel better including teens.
A support group of his peers who are also going through similar challenges.
A healthy diet...with Omega 3 Vitamins...Vitamin D...The B vitamins...are all essential for feeling at one's best.
I happen to take a supplement for my depression called SAM-e. It is not for everyone...there can be side effects just like for any medication. A supplement such as this may not be enough to combat certain types of depression. But it may be worth looking into.
Some sort of creative outlet can help...drama...writing...art...etc.
These are just some ideas...but do discuss your options with his doctor and therapist.
I hope he continues to feel better. Please let us know how things are going for your son and your family.
2/ 8/11 1:09pm
Hi, there. I'm glad your son is doing better. Working as a family is so helpful. What kind of doctor prescribed the Prozac? If it wasn't a psychiatrist, I would get an opinion from one. It may be that he doesn't need it and his therapist should be able to tell you of other things that might be available to help, if needed. Sometimes medication is necessary, as much as we don't want to drug our kids. I don't know if either of my sons would be alive without it and they both started getting depressed at about 12 years of age. Sometimes it's a biological cause with things not working smoothly in the brain and the purpose of medication is to correct that. My sons are now in their 30's and are still on meds.
Don't know how much help I've been, but I would ask the therapist about your concerns with medication. I wish you all the best.
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By a burch— Last Modified: 02/10/11, First Published: 02/08/11
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