Teens have more on their plates now than ever before, and the rates of teen anxiety disorders continue to rise. Anxiety is a normal part of life, but when it interferes with daily life, treatment may be needed. There are plenty of anxiety medications for teens that can bring substantial relief. However, there’s also a lot of stigma around mental health treatment and medication regimens.¹ It’s also important to be aware of the risks associated with some medications.

At Family First, we know it can be overwhelming when your teen is dealing with severe anxiety. It can be just as, sometimes more, difficult when discussing options for medication options that might help them. Medication management services are part of our adolescent anxiety treatment programming, but we never prescribe or adjust prescriptions without teens and parents alike being comfortable with the plan. Call 888.904.5947 to get help now.

Teen Anxiety Is on the Rise

Symptoms of anxiety often arise during childhood or adolescent years, according to the World Health Organization.² This might stem from the significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes adolescents go through. Teens also carry a lot more weight than many parents recognize. They’re often stressed about academic performance, family challenges, social and environmental issues, and just how to navigate their futures. Finding professional help can support them as they learn to manage their anxiety, but what about when a provider recommends a medication plan?

When Are Anxiety Medications Recommended for Teens?

If your teen is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, know that they are not alone. Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health condition around the world. Approved medications for anxiety in teens are safe when used appropriately. They are often prescribed when a mental health professional believes that they can be valuable tools in helping your child feel better.

Anxiety medications can help:

• Reduce symptoms of anxiety
• Improve daily functioning
• Allow for better participation in therapy and healthy coping skills training
• Reduce or manage panic attacks

Your child’s mental health provider should not blindly prescribe anxiety medication. Instead, they’ll conduct a thorough assessment of their mental health. You’ll likely be involved in part of the evaluation process to help shed light on areas your teen might now be able to communicate thoroughly. They will talk with you and your teen about how a medication can work with therapy to bring relief.

Overview of Anxiety Medications for Adolescents

There is only one FDA-approved on-label anxiety medication for teens: duloxetine (Cymbalta). On-label means the medication was developed and first approved to treat anxiety. However, there are other safe, off-label medications that are commonly used to treat teen anxiety.³

Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs affect the ways norepinephrine and serotonin (chemicals called neurotransmitters) interact with the brain. Both neurotransmitters can contribute to anxiety disorders. Common SNRIs for teens include:

• Duloxetine
• Venlafaxine (Effexor)
• Atomoxetine (Strattera)

These medications may cause side effects like sleepiness, insomnia, or headaches. They are generally considered non-habit-forming, but your child’s provider should be contacted before stopping them.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are generally used to treat depression since they affect serotonin levels in the brain. Generally, though, many teens with anxiety see reduced symptoms with SSRIs. These medications include:

• Citalopram/escitalopram (Celexa/Lexapro)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)

SSRIs may cause many of the same side effects as SNRIs. They are also generally non-habit-forming, but a doctor should manage when they are being stopped since changing serotonin levels can cause serious side effects called “serotonin syndrome.”

Benzodiazepines

Benzos may not be as commonly prescribed to teens since they can be habit-forming. These prescriptions are powerful and are typically only prescribed for short-term treatment for specific phobia situations or panic attacks. These drugs include:

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)

If your child’s provider decides that a benzo is the best recommendation for treatment, they will discuss further risks of abusing benzos. Mitigating abuse is key to ensuring teens experience the benefits of the medications without the potential for addiction.

Other Anxiety Medications

There are a few other medications for teen anxiety, including other types of antidepressants or anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications). Your child’s mental health provider will be able to discuss the options and potential risks in further detail.

Medication Can Be Part of a Safe Treatment Approach

Your concern about your child’s medication management plan is not without cause. Some prescriptions are habit-forming, but FDA-approved medications are safe when taken under a doctor’s guidance. Have an open, honest conversation with them and your teen if they recommend medication for anxiety. You can ask questions like:

• Why do you think medication will help my teen?
• How does the medication interact with others my teen needs to take?
• What potential side effects should we be aware of?
• Will my teen need to take this medication long-term, or is it a short-term treatment plan?
• Are there any risks associated with stopping the medication?

The provider will likely also recommend other personalized treatment options, like individual or group counseling, family therapy sessions, and psychoeducation, which will help your teen understand how to cope with anxiety.

Call Family First Adolescent Services for Teen Anxiety Treatment

We understand that choosing medication for your teen’s anxiety can be a tough decision. We work with families and teens to find the right combination of treatments, including medication management services. Our expert team, which includes licensed mental health professionals and board-certified psychiatrists, will help you make an informed choice that addresses both their mental health needs and personal preferences. Contact us online today or at 888.904.5947 to find the right approach that can help your teen move forward.

Footnotes:

1. American Psychiatric Association – Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness
2. World Health Organization – Anxiety disorders
3. American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry; American Psychiatric Association – Anxiety Disorders: Parents’ Medication Guide