Re: *RE: PROZAC

[Guest guest]

My big issue with the following statements are as follows:

"Careful monitoring is the important key, to ensure that no child or adult falls into that very small, yet statistically significant category of having the side effect of suicidal ideation."

Okay while that may be true, the key here is CAREFUL MONITORING. Which is a problem too often. Anyone taking prozac should be monitored carefully by their treating physician.

"Therefore, the small but statistically significant difference showed that 4% (only 4%!) of those studied had an increase in suicidal ideation or behavior as compared with 2% (!) of the control group of youth and young adults who were not given Prozac"

If it is my child in the 4% that is all that matters to me in the world. Again this is not approved use for this, so one should be careful, and have an ongoing regular treatment from their doctor.

"I'm actually eager for more studies in this area, and the possibilities that present themselves. I have dd on gingko biloba as a result of information from Changing Minds, after some in-depth consultation about the potential for harm (very, very low) with an expert in Chinese medicine. I'm a bit more cautious about the Prozac, but that's because I haven't found anyone in my area yet who will comfortably prescribe the medicine and help me feel ok about doing so, plus I want to evaluate the impact of gingko use before introducing another variable. "

I agree on more studies, and the cutting edge is what gets them done as is with so many studies. As for Prozac and the inability to find someone in your aread who is comfortable prescribing the medicine (and following up with them one would hope) says a lot to me. I spoke to several local pediatricians about this as well, and none around here would consider it. We have one ped who is on our advisory board and he actually was the most against its use in children with DS.

Hugs,

      Jules Romero

-- Re: [DownSyndromeInfoEx change] PROZAC

HI all, I have a genuine question for anyone willing to share their opinion. I have already said I know some children who are using prozac . These kids do not have downs and are on prozac for depression. They have a learning disability with no known origin. Elaine ( she gave me permission to use her name ) was a very very depressed girl indeed.Once she had just hit puberty ,it got to the point where her parents could only get her from her bed to a chair. No physical cause other than depression. On prozac this girl has gone from strength to strength !!!! She has regained her life and is back at school . Another boy has a similar tale.

These children are just thriving on prozac. So my question is ........ If your doctor puts your child on prozac for depression is that ok ???? Its the same drug with potientially the same child but instead of treating one issue it would treat two seperate needs and under medical supervision ???? Anyone get what I am trying to say here ????( really badly put i know )

[Guest guest]



Hi ,

I'm confused. From your first sentence, it sounds like you are disagreeing with my points, yet with your responses, we seem to be on exactly the same page.

Kathi

From: DownSyndromeInfoExchange [mailto:DownSyndromeInfoExchange ] On Behalf Of ~ Romero~Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 10:16 PMTo: DownSyndromeInfoExchange Subject: Re: *RE: [DownSyndromeInfoExchange] PROZAC

My big issue with the following statements are as follows:

"Careful monitoring is the important key, to ensure that no child or adult falls into that very small, yet statistically significant category of having the side effect of suicidal ideation."

Okay while that may be true, the key here is CAREFUL MONITORING. Which is a problem too often. Anyone taking prozac should be monitored carefully by their treating physician.

"Therefore, the small but statistically significant difference showed that 4% (only 4%!) of those studied had an increase in suicidal ideation or behavior as compared with 2% (!) of the control group of youth and young adults who were not given Prozac"

If it is my child in the 4% that is all that matters to me in the world. Again this is not approved use for this, so one should be careful, and have an ongoing regular treatment from their doctor.

"I'm actually eager for more studies in this area, and the possibilities that present themselves. I have dd on gingko biloba as a result of information from Changing Minds, after some in-depth consultation about the potential for harm (very, very low) with an expert in Chinese medicine. I'm a bit more cautious about the Prozac, but that's because I haven't found anyone in my area yet who will comfortably prescribe the medicine and help me feel ok about doing so, plus I want to evaluate the impact of gingko use before introducing another variable. "

I agree on more studies, and the cutting edge is what gets them done as is with so many studies. As for Prozac and the inability to find someone in your aread who is comfortable prescribing the medicine (and following up with them one would hope) says a lot to me. I spoke to several local pediatricians about this as well, and none around here would consider it. We have one ped who is on our advisory board and he actually was the most against its use in children with DS.

Hugs,

      Jules Romero

-- Re: [DownSyndromeInfoEx change] PROZAC

HI all, I have a genuine question for anyone willing to share their opinion. I have already said I know some children who are using prozac . These kids do not have downs and are on prozac for depression. They have a learning disability with no known origin. Elaine ( she gave me permission to use her name ) was a very very depressed girl indeed.Once she had just hit puberty ,it got to the point where her parents could only get her from her bed to a chair. No physical cause other than depression. On prozac this girl has gone from strength to strength !!!! She has regained her life and is back at school . Another boy has a similar tale.

These children are just thriving on prozac. So my question is ........ If your doctor puts your child on prozac for depression is that ok ???? Its the same drug with potientially the same child but instead of treating one issue it would treat two seperate needs and under medical supervision ???? Anyone get what I am trying to say here ????( really badly put i know )