Prozac vs Zoloft

We are considering putting my 7 year old on an antidepressant for anxiety (per doctors request). I've seen different posts where some kids are on Prozac and some on Zoloft.

Have there been any specific reasons why one was chose over the other? I know they are both antidepressants and Prozac has been around for a lot longer.

Thanks!

My son is on Lexapro which is also an antidepressant. His doctor chose this one in particular because along with anxiety he also has tendencies towards getting stuck on one idea. He'll spend the whole day trying to find keys or buile wings or whatever. Apparently the doctor attended a physicians seminar in which this medication was indicated to be the best for helping with this particular condition.

Thanks for the reply gettingagrip,

Another one I'll have to research before our appointment!! Aargh! Have you seen a difference in your sons anxiety? My son has OCD as well and gets very down on himself if he doesn't do something perfect.

Our doctor said that Prozac has less side effects. My son is extemely sensitive to all meds.

I personally was on zoloft a few years ago and it made me hallucinate. I saw my kids as gremlins chasing me around funny now but not then. That was only after the second dose too - so quicly stopped.

Zoloft has also been linked to teenage suicide. But you may also like to find the facts on that yourself, as I have only heard not researched that fact.

Rae70,

Gremlins huh? That must have been a really freaky experience for you! Too bad it wasn't Angels and they just smiled at you all the time Well, I guess I'd be in line for that one!!!!

I read the same research on Zoloft. I tend to research the H%#L out of everything and then of course I don't want to have him on any of it. My son goes to social skills group weekly and several kids are on Lexapro as well as their parents. This one has not been around that long so it's not an option for us.

I talked to the doctor yesterday and he feels Prozac(liquid form) would be the best to try.

I hate the meds, mixing and trying to figure out what works. We tried every alternative and finally had to resort to meds. It still males me sad

Taximom, My son still gets down on himself and others if they make mistakes but the edge is off. It is still important to him but he can deal with it better now. I know it definetly helped with the getting stuck on things. He seems to be able to transition better now. -Gettingagrip-Our son Cam is 10 and has been on Zoloft for about a month and a half. He has ADHD, depression along with anxieties. I was very leary about trying Zoloft because of the side effects I have read, especially with children. But Cameron has suffered no side effects and it is helping him. He is also on Ritalin which we just started in June of this year. The ritalin is helping, although he still has some difficulties in school which we are hoping will start to improve. That is just my opinion on Zoloft. I think it affects every person differently. If there were any side effects from it we would have stopped immediately. Good Luck! Cam's mommy son is also on adderall but was having a lot of anxiety. We started zoloft about 3 weeks ago. He really has been much better at dealing with things and shows no ill side effects of the zoloft

Thanks for the replys! I really appreciate it.

How long did it take before you started noticing a difference with the anxiety? Were there any other changes that you noticed as well?

I wish it worked as quickly as the stimulants. I feel so bad for him and I know he can't control himself. He calls himself a jerk and an idiot. I try and comfort him but it breaks my heart.

I started noticing a difference with 1-2 weeks. He would get upset but if I redirect him he would calm down right away and before he would be inconsolable and carry on forever about nothing. He seems more relaxed and happier. My son also has days when he feels no one likes him and it to breaks my heart that he feels that way. I try to comfort him and help him through those feelings the best I can

atc413

Well it's been 3 weeks now since my son started Prozac. Started on .5 mi and then after 10 days we increased to 1 ml. The first 10 days did not notice anything except a couple evening anger episodes. But gradually we started noticing a difference when the dose was increased. He is happier and seems not as agitated as he was before.Like your son he still has the negative feelings but not quite as intense and I'm able to talk to him and he is able to accept the comfort.

It's so hard to see your child suffer with these things. Most people have no idea what it is like on a daily basis. I'm glad your son is doing better, he's lucky he has you as a Mom!

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