All teens experience nervousness sometimes.
But sometimes, teens experience so much anxiety that it impairs their daily functioning.
Parents of anxious teenagersas well as the teens themselvesare often desperate for help.
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How do you know when the anxiety rises to the level of requiring treatment?
Or maybe you have concerns about whether anxiety medication is safe for this age group.
Keep reading to learn how to tell when anxiety treatment may be necessary for teens.
Also, find information about anxiety medication for teens, its potential side effects, and medication-related safety warnings.
Along withcognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)also known as talk therapymedication is also an effective teen anxiety treatment.
Using Medication to Treat Anxiety
Prescription medicationscan be useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
They are also often used in conjunction with CBT.
As with all medications, prescriptions used to treat anxiety have risks.
Here are a few that a physician may prescribe.
Like SSRIs, SNRIs impact neurotransmitters in the brain.
They block the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine.
SNRIs may include medications such as:
These types of medications can take up to eight weeks to work.
For example, teens may grow dependent on them, and benzodiazepines may be misused.
Stopping them suddenly could also lead towithdrawal symptomsor even seizures.
Other Medications
Occasionally, physicians may prescribe other medications off-label to treat anxiety.
Off-label prescribing is common.
Side Effects of SSRIs and SNRIs
Many teens dont experience side effects when taking SSRIs or SNRIs.
If one medication isn’t working or causing serious side effects, your teen may need to change medications.
No suicides were reported in the studies that led to the warnings.
To address this concern, a black box warning was added to these medications.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Related Conditions
It is not uncommon for anxiety to co-occur alongside other mental health conditions.
In some instances, other conditions may contribute to symptoms of anxiety.
Conditions that are associated with anxiety in children and teens include:
Each teen’s situation is different.
Describe your concerns and ask about treatment options.
If you have concerns about your teens diagnosis or treatment plan, seek a second opinion.
Talking to another professional can help you decide on the best course of action.
With the right treatment and monitoring, teens can find relief from anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answer to this question is not quite clear.
Consult a healthcare provider before trying to treat a teen’s anxiety with natural medications or products.
Signs of teen anxiety include excessively worrying, continuous nervousness, and restlessness.
You may also notice that the teen is withdrawn or uncomfortable in social situations.
An anxious teen may even sweat, tremble, or startle easily.
If your teen’s anxiety is impacting their everyday life, they may benefit from anxiety medication.
It’s also beneficial to recognize the difference between normal anxiety and a potential anxiety disorder.
Talk to a healthcare provider about the best options for them based on their anxiety throw in and severity.
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