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If you are considering starting your
child on one of the antidepressant medications, then you should have a full
discussion with your child's physician of the possible benefits as well as the
possible risks (including increased suicidal behavior
If your
child has recently started one of these medications or is about to start, then
you and your child's physician will need to closely monitor him/her for any
changes in behavior. In most cases, the increased risk of suicidal behavior
occurs during the first 4-6 weeks of treatment.
What should you do as a parent?
- Be clear and honest when talking
with your child about the possible risks and benefits of taking an
antidepressant medication.
- Talk to your child or adolescent
about whether they are having any suicidal thoughts, and let them know they
should come to you immediately if they start having suicidal thoughts or any
other troubling symptoms while they are taking antidepressant medication.
- Working with your child and your
child's physician, you should develop a “safety/crisis plan” for your child.
This can include identifying an adult your child can call if he/she is
thinking about suicide.
- You and your child's physician
should closely monitor your child - especially during the first months of
treatment. Any child or adolescent starting an antidepressant medication
should be followed weekly (in person or by telephone) for the first month,
every other week (preferably in person) for the second month, and at least
once a month (in person) thereafter by the treating physician to check for
the severity of depressive symptoms, suicidal behavior and any other
problems.
- It is important that you do not
suddenly stop or change the dose of your child's antidepressant medication
without first talking to your child's physician.
REMEMBER: Only you,
your child and your physician can look at all the specific information and make
an informed and appropriate decision about using an antidepressant medication.
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