Should doctors be able to prescribe anti depressants to those 18 years of age an

1. 84

   romper20posted 12 years ago

   Should doctors be able to prescribe anti depressants to those 18 years of age and younger?
   
   Do you think doctors should be able to prescribe anti depressants and / or tranquilizers such as Xanax, Klonopin and others to anyone under 18 years of age?

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2. 70

   onegoodwomanposted 12 years ago

   Yes...............this is what a doctor does.
   
   The parent, has the duty to seek advise, council, medical reccomendations and other inputs and to Make the decision..............the
   Government needs to leave the parent(s) the hell alone.
   
   Doctors are expected ( and held accountable) for knowing what is needed for our well being.   A medication should not be withheld because a patient will not turn 18 until the following month...........
   
   
   WHERE are the pharmacuetical companies?   
   
   I am NOT an advocate of " medicating" our young................WHERE are the pharmacuetical companies?
   
   
   Medications should be based on:
   intended results
   need
   dosage........determined by weight and size
   affordabilty
   
   
   Not by potential lawsuits  or age.
   
   
   Think about this people........ask WHY..........if it is not "safe" at 5, why is it safe at 25................
   
   yeah, ok, growing bones, developing systems..........I am aware of these things
   
   
   SO should you be.
   
   ASK and demand intelligent answers about the meds prescribed to you and your children.
   
   Medicines are " sold"............THINK and ask about them.
   
   
   You would ask about the mileage on a vehicle!

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3. 59

   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   I would say that because antidepressants can cause suicidal thoughts and actions in young people that a psychiatrist should be involved.  The child should be watched very closely to avoid any problems caused by medications.

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4. 73

   lburmasterposted 12 years ago

   I believe the age limit should be 13. That no one under 13 should take anti-depressants. Teenagers are still going through growths, yes, but they are more easily to diagnose correctly.
   Also the drugs you listed do have a few issues. The side effects of Klonopin (a.k.a. Clonazepam) are numerous. Suicidal thoughts, epilepsy, horrid withdrawl symptoms, The other drug, Xanax, has horrid withdrawl symptoms as well, depression and memory problems.
   I would never consider using those for myself. Go by this simple rule. If it harms women who are pregnant, do not use it.
   There are other and simplier ways of getting healthy or aiding depression and sleep.

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