Side Effects of Depression Medications in Teens

Regarding the side effects of medications for depression?

My daughter is 16 years old and has been prescribed the following medications by a psychiatrist since March 30: (1) one 50 mg Lexapro after breakfast and dinner, and (2) 50 mg Seroquel at bedtime.
She has been on these medications for 11 days, and her depressive symptoms have improved, but she is experiencing side effects, including waking up 1 to 2 times during the night and difficulty getting up in the morning (she needs to sleep for nine hours to feel rested, which causes her to be late for school by an hour every day).
Since the first day of taking the medication, she has not lost the desire to self-harm.
I would like to know how long these side effects might last before they disappear, or if they will persist as long as she is on the medication.

Niming, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/04/09

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello, Silvex may have drowsiness as a side effect.
A dosage of 50 mg is not considered high, and there is a good chance that this side effect will be tolerated over time.
Waking up in the middle of the night and having difficulty getting up in the morning may not solely be attributed to the medication; it could also be related to the course of depression.
This should be assessed based on changes in the condition and current symptoms.
It is advisable to discuss this with your physician during your next appointment.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Reply Date: 2011/04/09

More Info

When it comes to treating depression in teenagers, understanding the potential side effects of medications is crucial for both the patient and their caregivers. Your daughter has been prescribed two medications: Luvox (Fluvoxamine) and Seroquel (Quetiapine), which are commonly used to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. While it’s encouraging to hear that her depressive symptoms have improved, it’s also important to address the side effects she is experiencing.

Side Effects of Luvox and Seroquel
1. Luvox (Fluvoxamine): This medication is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is often used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression. Common side effects can include:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sexual dysfunction
In your daughter's case, the sleep disturbances (waking up at night) and the need for extended sleep could be related to the sedative effects of the medication. SSRIs can sometimes disrupt normal sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or excessive sleepiness.

2. Seroquel (Quetiapine): This medication is an atypical antipsychotic that is often used to treat mood disorders, including bipolar disorder and depression. Side effects may include:
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Weight gain
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Increased appetite
Seroquel is known for its sedative properties, which can contribute to excessive sleepiness during the day, especially if taken at night. This could explain why your daughter feels the need to sleep for nine hours to feel rested.

Duration of Side Effects
The duration of side effects can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals may experience side effects for a few days to weeks as their bodies adjust to the medication, while others may find that certain side effects persist for a longer period. In many cases, side effects such as drowsiness or sleep disturbances may diminish over time as the body acclimates to the medication. However, if these side effects are significantly impacting her daily life, it is essential to discuss them with her prescribing physician.

What to Do Next
1. Consult the Prescribing Physician: It’s crucial to communicate openly with her doctor about the side effects she is experiencing. The physician may consider adjusting the dosage, switching medications, or adding another medication to help mitigate these side effects.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of her symptoms, noting when side effects occur and their severity. This information can be helpful for her doctor in determining the best course of action.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments: Encourage healthy sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and minimizing screen time before bed. These strategies can help improve her overall sleep quality.

4. Supportive Therapy: In addition to medication, therapy can be beneficial for managing depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of counseling can provide your daughter with coping strategies and support.

5. Be Patient: It’s important to remember that finding the right medication and dosage can take time. Patience and ongoing communication with healthcare providers are key components of successful treatment.

Conclusion
While it’s promising that your daughter is experiencing some improvement in her depressive symptoms, the side effects she is facing should not be overlooked. Open communication with her healthcare provider is essential to ensure that her treatment plan is effective and manageable. With the right adjustments and support, it is possible to find a balance that alleviates her depression while minimizing side effects.

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