Re: paradoxical reaction to SSRI's

[Guest guest]

What kinds of behaviors did your son show when he was on Zoloft, and at what

dose? My 7-year-old has OCD and ADHD and had slight improvement at 1 ml of

liquid Sertraline, but at 2 ml started to get belligerent and oppositional. To

make matters more difficult, he is now afraid to swallow pills, which is too bad

because 1 mg of Intuniv seemed to lessen his hyperactivity. I, too, feel like

the family is unraveling. I hadn't heard that news about bipolarity associated

with the reaction to SSRIs. That's a diagnosis that we haven't yet come across.

He's now off all meds and we're trying a new behavioral therapist on Monday. I'm

crossing my fingers that she'll be able to help us. paradoxical reaction to SSRI's

I am new to the listserve and really struggling. I, myself, have OCD which is

managed with meds...but one of my 8 year old sons (I have triplets) has been

recently diagnosed and has been really suffering. Unfortunately, he seems to be

having a paradoxical reaction to SSRI's. First we tried zoloft and he became

hypomanic. Now we have switched to a very tiny dose of liquid prozac (2mg) and

he is still very " activated. " I know that there is research that says that if a

child is having this kind of reaction to SSRI's that there may be some

underlying bi-polarity, but the doctor and I just do not see any flags that

would suggest that. I really am hesitant to put him on a mood stabalizer when

the only time his mood is labile is when he is on medication. We are losing hope

and becoming despondent over here. It feels like my family is unraveling. We

also are trying to get him a 504 plan at school, which looks like it will

happen, but I don't think the school has ever had a kid on a 504 with OCD before

so it just makes me feel like I am treading water and asking for accommodations

that I hope will work (timed tests and work shut him down and trigger him). If

there is anyone who has any suggestions or experience in this area, please...my

husband and I feel so alone and isolated in this. I certainly know my share of

children who are on the autism spectrum or have ADHD...but we seem hopelessly

alone with pediatric OCD.

[Guest guest]

What kinds of behaviors did your son show when he was on Zoloft, and at what

dose? My 7-year-old has OCD and ADHD and had slight improvement at 1 ml of

liquid Sertraline, but at 2 ml started to get belligerent and oppositional. To

make matters more difficult, he is now afraid to swallow pills, which is too bad

because 1 mg of Intuniv seemed to lessen his hyperactivity. I, too, feel like

the family is unraveling. I hadn't heard that news about bipolarity associated

with the reaction to SSRIs. That's a diagnosis that we haven't yet come across.

He's now off all meds and we're trying a new behavioral therapist on Monday. I'm

crossing my fingers that she'll be able to help us. paradoxical reaction to SSRI's

I am new to the listserve and really struggling. I, myself, have OCD which is

managed with meds...but one of my 8 year old sons (I have triplets) has been

recently diagnosed and has been really suffering. Unfortunately, he seems to be

having a paradoxical reaction to SSRI's. First we tried zoloft and he became

hypomanic. Now we have switched to a very tiny dose of liquid prozac (2mg) and

he is still very " activated. " I know that there is research that says that if a

child is having this kind of reaction to SSRI's that there may be some

underlying bi-polarity, but the doctor and I just do not see any flags that

would suggest that. I really am hesitant to put him on a mood stabalizer when

the only time his mood is labile is when he is on medication. We are losing hope

and becoming despondent over here. It feels like my family is unraveling. We

also are trying to get him a 504 plan at school, which looks like it will

happen, but I don't think the school has ever had a kid on a 504 with OCD before

so it just makes me feel like I am treading water and asking for accommodations

that I hope will work (timed tests and work shut him down and trigger him). If

there is anyone who has any suggestions or experience in this area, please...my

husband and I feel so alone and isolated in this. I certainly know my share of

children who are on the autism spectrum or have ADHD...but we seem hopelessly

alone with pediatric OCD.

[Guest guest]

Hi Loretta! You may need to try yet a 3rd SSRI. Others have had to, and it

might be that 3rd, or 4th, one that works well. It's a shame they don't have

one med that works for everyone, it's " try this, try that.... " But it's great

when you get *the* one.

Was lucky with my own son (now 22), we tried Celexa first and it worked well. I

worried prior to that about side effects and having to try them all or

something, but besides some tiredness (he took naps!), it worked well for him.

He wasn't an active kid anyway.

Trilets! I thought they'd be fun. I had twins (the one above and his brother,

not identical). 's OCD started in 6th grade, severe onset, but he had

his little OCD type quirks prior to that (erasing, type of repetitive questions

he'd ask...). But in 6th grade, all this new stuff just popped up 24/7, whew!

We got him a 504 Plan for school too then. I hadn't heard of them until then.

They also hadn't had an OCD student before, other than one that had

contamination issues and " he went on medication and was fine... " Ugh!

's OCD wasn't the more common type overall, I couldn't have found any

exact behaviors in any book for most of them.

We had to get extra time on tests (actually, no time limit); extra time for

homework (could be late with no grade penalty); teachers needed to ask him for

any missing homework (he might not turn in); I had to write for him, his writing

got so scratchy that he also ended up with a dysgraphia diagnosis for that

problem; he got teacher notes for some things, when available, so he wouldn't

have to take notes in class...what else? He could bring all unfinished work

home (vs having to turn it in) so that we could do it at home.

The " turn in late with no grade penalty " varied per teacher, this was middle

school so more than one teacher to deal with. But basically we tried to have

all *this week's* assignments turned in by following Monday. Some things we

made sure to get done every night, like math that they would check in class the

next day. Anything where they might exchange a paper with a classmate, etc.

Really, I had to learn (over time) to try to think of it as educating the school

about OCD so they'd be ready for the next child, that way I didn't take it too

personally. After a time. At first I was a wreck, cried terribly at one

meeting....

Feel free to ask any questions, hope this helps a bit.

, 22, with OCD, dysgraphia, Aspergers

graduated UNC-CH August 2011, B.S. Biology...no job yet!

but he's not exactly looking real hard

>

> I am new to the listserve and really struggling. I, myself, have OCD which is

managed with meds...but one of my 8 year old sons (I have triplets) has been

recently diagnosed and has been really suffering. Unfortunately, he seems to be

having a paradoxical reaction to SSRI's. First we tried zoloft and he became

hypomanic. Now we have switched to a very tiny dose of liquid prozac (2mg) and

he is still very " activated. " I know that there is research that

[Guest guest]

Hi Loretta! You may need to try yet a 3rd SSRI. Others have had to, and it

might be that 3rd, or 4th, one that works well. It's a shame they don't have

one med that works for everyone, it's " try this, try that.... " But it's great

when you get *the* one.

Was lucky with my own son (now 22), we tried Celexa first and it worked well. I

worried prior to that about side effects and having to try them all or

something, but besides some tiredness (he took naps!), it worked well for him.

He wasn't an active kid anyway.

Trilets! I thought they'd be fun. I had twins (the one above and his brother,

not identical). 's OCD started in 6th grade, severe onset, but he had

his little OCD type quirks prior to that (erasing, type of repetitive questions

he'd ask...). But in 6th grade, all this new stuff just popped up 24/7, whew!

We got him a 504 Plan for school too then. I hadn't heard of them until then.

They also hadn't had an OCD student before, other than one that had

contamination issues and " he went on medication and was fine... " Ugh!

's OCD wasn't the more common type overall, I couldn't have found any

exact behaviors in any book for most of them.

We had to get extra time on tests (actually, no time limit); extra time for

homework (could be late with no grade penalty); teachers needed to ask him for

any missing homework (he might not turn in); I had to write for him, his writing

got so scratchy that he also ended up with a dysgraphia diagnosis for that

problem; he got teacher notes for some things, when available, so he wouldn't

have to take notes in class...what else? He could bring all unfinished work

home (vs having to turn it in) so that we could do it at home.

The " turn in late with no grade penalty " varied per teacher, this was middle

school so more than one teacher to deal with. But basically we tried to have

all *this week's* assignments turned in by following Monday. Some things we

made sure to get done every night, like math that they would check in class the

next day. Anything where they might exchange a paper with a classmate, etc.

Really, I had to learn (over time) to try to think of it as educating the school

about OCD so they'd be ready for the next child, that way I didn't take it too

personally. After a time. At first I was a wreck, cried terribly at one

meeting....

Feel free to ask any questions, hope this helps a bit.

, 22, with OCD, dysgraphia, Aspergers

graduated UNC-CH August 2011, B.S. Biology...no job yet!

but he's not exactly looking real hard

>

> I am new to the listserve and really struggling. I, myself, have OCD which is

managed with meds...but one of my 8 year old sons (I have triplets) has been

recently diagnosed and has been really suffering. Unfortunately, he seems to be

having a paradoxical reaction to SSRI's. First we tried zoloft and he became

hypomanic. Now we have switched to a very tiny dose of liquid prozac (2mg) and

he is still very " activated. " I know that there is research that

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the replies. It is so isolating and difficult. The Zoloft he started

at 25 mg and became almost hypomanic- very irritable, oppositional, angry,

provokative...really not himself. It was very scary. The prozac is liquid and

we went really small- 2mg every other day. He is not as bad as he was on the

zoloft but he is having mood swings at home and says he " feels wild and

miserable. " He does not have ADHD but he does have depressed mood although

partially because he feels like the OCD is so unbearable.

>

> What kinds of behaviors did your son show when he was on Zoloft, and at what

dose? My 7-year-old has OCD and ADHD and had slight improvement at 1 ml of

liquid Sertraline, but at 2 ml started to get belligerent and oppositional. To

make matters more difficult, he is now afraid to swallow pills, which is too bad

because 1 mg of Intuniv seemed to lessen his hyperactivity. I, too, feel like

the family is unraveling. I hadn't heard that news about bipolarity associated

with the reaction to SSRIs. That's a diagnosis that we haven't yet come across.

>

>

> He's now off all meds and we're trying a new behavioral therapist on Monday.

I'm crossing my fingers that she'll be able to help us. paradoxical reaction to SSRI's

>

>

>

>

>

>

> I am new to the listserve and really struggling. I, myself, have OCD which is

managed with meds...but one of my 8 year old sons (I have triplets) has been

recently diagnosed and has been really suffering. Unfortunately, he seems to be

having a paradoxical reaction to SSRI's. First we tried zoloft and he became

hypomanic. Now we have switched to a very tiny dose of liquid prozac (2mg) and

he is still very " activated. " I know that there is research that says that if a

child is having this kind of reaction to SSRI's that there may be some

underlying bi-polarity, but the doctor and I just do not see any flags that

would suggest that. I really am hesitant to put him on a mood stabalizer when

the only time his mood is labile is when he is on medication. We are losing hope

and becoming despondent over here. It feels like my family is unraveling. We

also are trying to get him a 504 plan at school, which looks like it will

happen, but I don't think the school has ever had a kid on a 504 with OCD before

so it just makes me feel like I am treading water and asking for accommodations

that I hope will work (timed tests and work shut him down and trigger him). If

there is anyone who has any suggestions or experience in this area, please...my

husband and I feel so alone and isolated in this. I certainly know my share of

children who are on the autism spectrum or have ADHD...but we seem hopelessly

alone with pediatric OCD.

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the replies. It is so isolating and difficult. The Zoloft he started

at 25 mg and became almost hypomanic- very irritable, oppositional, angry,

provokative...really not himself. It was very scary. The prozac is liquid and

we went really small- 2mg every other day. He is not as bad as he was on the

zoloft but he is having mood swings at home and says he " feels wild and

miserable. " He does not have ADHD but he does have depressed mood although

partially because he feels like the OCD is so unbearable.

>

> What kinds of behaviors did your son show when he was on Zoloft, and at what

dose? My 7-year-old has OCD and ADHD and had slight improvement at 1 ml of

liquid Sertraline, but at 2 ml started to get belligerent and oppositional. To

make matters more difficult, he is now afraid to swallow pills, which is too bad

because 1 mg of Intuniv seemed to lessen his hyperactivity. I, too, feel like

the family is unraveling. I hadn't heard that news about bipolarity associated

with the reaction to SSRIs. That's a diagnosis that we haven't yet come across.

>

>

> He's now off all meds and we're trying a new behavioral therapist on Monday.

I'm crossing my fingers that she'll be able to help us. paradoxical reaction to SSRI's

>

>

>

>

>

>

> I am new to the listserve and really struggling. I, myself, have OCD which is

managed with meds...but one of my 8 year old sons (I have triplets) has been

recently diagnosed and has been really suffering. Unfortunately, he seems to be

having a paradoxical reaction to SSRI's. First we tried zoloft and he became

hypomanic. Now we have switched to a very tiny dose of liquid prozac (2mg) and

he is still very " activated. " I know that there is research that says that if a

child is having this kind of reaction to SSRI's that there may be some

underlying bi-polarity, but the doctor and I just do not see any flags that

would suggest that. I really am hesitant to put him on a mood stabalizer when

the only time his mood is labile is when he is on medication. We are losing hope

and becoming despondent over here. It feels like my family is unraveling. We

also are trying to get him a 504 plan at school, which looks like it will

happen, but I don't think the school has ever had a kid on a 504 with OCD before

so it just makes me feel like I am treading water and asking for accommodations

that I hope will work (timed tests and work shut him down and trigger him). If

there is anyone who has any suggestions or experience in this area, please...my

husband and I feel so alone and isolated in this. I certainly know my share of

children who are on the autism spectrum or have ADHD...but we seem hopelessly

alone with pediatric OCD.

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

So, Chris- it has been your experience that people have had to go through

several SSRI's? This offers a glimmer of hope.

> >

> > I am new to the listserve and really struggling. I, myself, have OCD which

is managed with meds...but one of my 8 year old sons (I have triplets) has been

recently diagnosed and has been really suffering. Unfortunately, he seems to be

having a paradoxical reaction to SSRI's. First we tried zoloft and he became

hypomanic. Now we have switched to a very tiny dose of liquid prozac (2mg) and

he is still very " activated. " I know that there is research that

>

[Guest guest]

So, Chris- it has been your experience that people have had to go through

several SSRI's? This offers a glimmer of hope.

> >

> > I am new to the listserve and really struggling. I, myself, have OCD which

is managed with meds...but one of my 8 year old sons (I have triplets) has been

recently diagnosed and has been really suffering. Unfortunately, he seems to be

having a paradoxical reaction to SSRI's. First we tried zoloft and he became

hypomanic. Now we have switched to a very tiny dose of liquid prozac (2mg) and

he is still very " activated. " I know that there is research that

>

[Guest guest]

Yes you do have to go thru several different SSRI's.  Each one acts different

on a person.  It is a lot of weeding out.

________________________________

To:

Sent: Thursday, December 8, 2011 7:46 PM

Subject: Re: paradoxical reaction to SSRI's

 

So, Chris- it has been your experience that people have had to go through

several SSRI's? This offers a glimmer of hope.

> >

> > I am new to the listserve and really struggling. I, myself, have OCD which

is managed with meds...but one of my 8 year old sons (I have triplets) has been

recently diagnosed and has been really suffering. Unfortunately, he seems to be

having a paradoxical reaction to SSRI's. First we tried zoloft and he became

hypomanic. Now we have switched to a very tiny dose of liquid prozac (2mg) and

he is still very " activated. " I know that there is research that

>

[Guest guest]

Yes you do have to go thru several different SSRI's.  Each one acts different

on a person.  It is a lot of weeding out.

________________________________

To:

Sent: Thursday, December 8, 2011 7:46 PM

Subject: Re: paradoxical reaction to SSRI's

 

So, Chris- it has been your experience that people have had to go through

several SSRI's? This offers a glimmer of hope.

> >

> > I am new to the listserve and really struggling. I, myself, have OCD which

is managed with meds...but one of my 8 year old sons (I have triplets) has been

recently diagnosed and has been really suffering. Unfortunately, he seems to be

having a paradoxical reaction to SSRI's. First we tried zoloft and he became

hypomanic. Now we have switched to a very tiny dose of liquid prozac (2mg) and

he is still very " activated. " I know that there is research that

>

[Guest guest]

Loretta, well in the years I've been in this group, some have been lucky like us

and the first one helped. And others have had to try more than one. And some

may find it's the 3rd or 4th one that helps. I don't know that the majority do

try more than one, but I suspect so.

Prozac seems to be activating from what I read from others. Works great for

many, but others will use that word " activating. " With any of the meds, if

there are initial side effects, best to hang in there (so long as there's no

dangerous type reaction with behaviors, etc.) and see if it passes in a couple

weeks or so. Also, OCD can increase sometimes when starting a med, but that can

be a good sign that it will work, so hang in there if that happens, to see.

If there is a history of bipolar in the family, yeah, do watch for that if

starting an SSRI.

One woman I know of had to start on the liquid prozac and take tiny amounts and

slowly build up, she couldn't handle the regular pill/capsule (whatever it comes

in). She's used prozac for years now and works great for her OCD. She's off

the liquid.

Keep us updated on how things are going with your family!

> >

> > Hi Loretta! You may need to try yet a 3rd SSRI. Others have had to, and

it might be that 3rd, or 4th, one that works well. It's a shame they don't have

one med that works for everyone, it's " try this, try that.... " But it's great

when you get *the* one.

> >

> > Was lucky with my own son (now 22), we tried Celexa first and it worked

well. I worried prior to that about side effects and having to try them all or

something, but besides some tiredness (he took naps!), it worked well for him.

He wasn't an active kid anyway.

[Guest guest]

Loretta, well in the years I've been in this group, some have been lucky like us

and the first one helped. And others have had to try more than one. And some

may find it's the 3rd or 4th one that helps. I don't know that the majority do

try more than one, but I suspect so.

Prozac seems to be activating from what I read from others. Works great for

many, but others will use that word " activating. " With any of the meds, if

there are initial side effects, best to hang in there (so long as there's no

dangerous type reaction with behaviors, etc.) and see if it passes in a couple

weeks or so. Also, OCD can increase sometimes when starting a med, but that can

be a good sign that it will work, so hang in there if that happens, to see.

If there is a history of bipolar in the family, yeah, do watch for that if

starting an SSRI.

One woman I know of had to start on the liquid prozac and take tiny amounts and

slowly build up, she couldn't handle the regular pill/capsule (whatever it comes

in). She's used prozac for years now and works great for her OCD. She's off

the liquid.

Keep us updated on how things are going with your family!

> >

> > Hi Loretta! You may need to try yet a 3rd SSRI. Others have had to, and

it might be that 3rd, or 4th, one that works well. It's a shame they don't have

one med that works for everyone, it's " try this, try that.... " But it's great

when you get *the* one.

> >

> > Was lucky with my own son (now 22), we tried Celexa first and it worked

well. I worried prior to that about side effects and having to try them all or

something, but besides some tiredness (he took naps!), it worked well for him.

He wasn't an active kid anyway.

[Guest guest]

Based on the paradoxical reaction he had to 2 SSRI's the doctor is talking about

trying a mood stabilizer which I am really flipping out over. I really do like

our doctor and I think if I beg him to try one more SSRI he will...but I have to

admit that I also am perplexed over my son's reaction. Still, it is the OCD

that is clearly an issue..his mood is only unstable in reaction to the

SSRI's...and the mood stabilizers are riddled with hepatic side effects,

metabolic side effects, etc...I feel like I am barely breathing:(

> > >

> > > Hi Loretta! You may need to try yet a 3rd SSRI. Others have had to, and

it might be that 3rd, or 4th, one that works well. It's a shame they don't have

one med that works for everyone, it's " try this, try that.... " But it's great

when you get *the* one.

> > >

> > > Was lucky with my own son (now 22), we tried Celexa first and it worked

well. I worried prior to that about side effects and having to try them all or

something, but besides some tiredness (he took naps!), it worked well for him.

He wasn't an active kid anyway.

>

[Guest guest]

I competely agree with Chris- You just need to switch and keep trying. We had

the same thing with our son. It is exhausting. Keep trying or try the atypical

antispychotics

[Guest guest]

They are talking about starting my daughter on meds...as I am reading these post

the word " activating " keeps coming up...What does that mean in regards to side

effects of meds?

> > >

> > > Hi Loretta! You may need to try yet a 3rd SSRI. Others have had to, and

it might be that 3rd, or 4th, one that works well. It's a shame they don't have

one med that works for everyone, it's " try this, try that.... " But it's great

when you get *the* one.

> > >

> > > Was lucky with my own son (now 22), we tried Celexa first and it worked

well. I worried prior to that about side effects and having to try them all or

something, but besides some tiredness (he took naps!), it worked well for him.

He wasn't an active kid anyway.

>

[Guest guest]

Loretta, my dd is bipolar and was originally activated by an SSRI. She, however,

did not stop when the SSRI was removed. Hers was not a matter of just being

belligerent. For instance, one huge red flag is related to sleep. She went 5

straight weeks only able to sleep 2 hours per 24 hour period. Her body could

literally not stop. Is your son having major sleep issues, ,which are different

than sleep issues related to anxiety? That would be more indicative of bipolar.

Don't give up. My dd had very severe issues causing her to miss 3 years of high

school. When we were finally able to get her meds right she flourished and is a

junior in college now. We had tried many different combinations until we

finally hit on the one that gave her her life back. Stormy

Sent from my iPad

>

>

> >

> >

> > > >

> > > > Hi Loretta! You may need to try yet a 3rd SSRI. Others have had to, and

it might be that 3rd, or 4th, one that works well. It's a shame they don't have

one med that works for everyone, it's " try this, try that.... " But it's great

when you get *the* one.

> > > >

> > > > Was lucky with my own son (now 22), we tried Celexa first and it worked

well. I worried prior to that about side effects and having to try them all or

something, but besides some tiredness (he took naps!), it worked well for him.

He wasn't an active kid anyway.

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

No sleep issues here. The only flag there is is his reaction to the SSRI's. I,

however, am having sleep issues due to all of the stress:(

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi Loretta! You may need to try yet a 3rd SSRI. Others have had to,

and it might be that 3rd, or 4th, one that works well. It's a shame they don't

have one med that works for everyone, it's " try this, try that.... " But it's

great when you get *the* one.

> > > > >

> > > > > Was lucky with my own son (now 22), we tried Celexa first and it

worked well. I worried prior to that about side effects and having to try them

all or something, but besides some tiredness (he took naps!), it worked well for

him. He wasn't an active kid anyway.

> > >

> >

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

- " activating " means getting amped up...restless, agitated, hyped and so

forth. While some of this may be an initial side effect that passes, some kids,

like mine apparently, can swing into more of a hypomanic state and it needs to

be stopped. From what I am learning, most kids do not have the reaction that my

son is having so don't let this post scare you from trying something that works.

I am on an SSRI for OCD and it has literally saved my life. My symptoms are 85%

better on meds than without them.

> > > >

> > > > Hi Loretta! You may need to try yet a 3rd SSRI. Others have had to,

and it might be that 3rd, or 4th, one that works well. It's a shame they don't

have one med that works for everyone, it's " try this, try that.... " But it's

great when you get *the* one.

> > > >

> > > > Was lucky with my own son (now 22), we tried Celexa first and it worked

well. I worried prior to that about side effects and having to try them all or

something, but besides some tiredness (he took naps!), it worked well for him.

He wasn't an active kid anyway.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

- " activating " means getting amped up...restless, agitated, hyped and so

forth. While some of this may be an initial side effect that passes, some kids,

like mine apparently, can swing into more of a hypomanic state and it needs to

be stopped. From what I am learning, most kids do not have the reaction that my

son is having so don't let this post scare you from trying something that works.

I am on an SSRI for OCD and it has literally saved my life. My symptoms are 85%

better on meds than without them.

> > > >

> > > > Hi Loretta! You may need to try yet a 3rd SSRI. Others have had to,

and it might be that 3rd, or 4th, one that works well. It's a shame they don't

have one med that works for everyone, it's " try this, try that.... " But it's

great when you get *the* one.

> > > >

> > > > Was lucky with my own son (now 22), we tried Celexa first and it worked

well. I worried prior to that about side effects and having to try them all or

something, but besides some tiredness (he took naps!), it worked well for him.

He wasn't an active kid anyway.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

So, I talked to our psychiatrist and he is suggesting Trileptal. Anyone have

any first hand experience with this?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Hi Loretta! You may need to try yet a 3rd SSRI. Others have had to,

and it might be that 3rd, or 4th, one that works well. It's a shame they don't

have one med that works for everyone, it's " try this, try that.... " But it's

great when you get *the* one.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Was lucky with my own son (now 22), we tried Celexa first and it

worked well. I worried prior to that about side effects and having to try them

all or something, but besides some tiredness (he took naps!), it worked well for

him. He wasn't an active kid anyway.

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

" They are talking about starting my daughter on meds...as I am reading these

post the word " activating " keeps coming up...What does that mean in regards to

side effects of meds? "

-

For us activating was removing inhibitions- so, our son who always wanted to be

good and do the right thing suddenly was stealing, lying, swearing, fighting. He

went from pathetic and dysfunctioal wiht his OCD to a functional sociopath. He

also got suicidal on Prozac. Zoloft was better- still activating at higher

doses ( above 50 mg for us) but worked great for his OCD at 150 mg. We lived

with the sociopathic behavior, tried to really get a handle on the OCD with CBT

then weaned down to managable doses over time. I was too chicken to try another

one , but it may have been the right thing to do. He is currently on 25 mg and

doing pretty well ( tho we jsut got a cleaning lady for the first time in about

6 years and I can see how happy it makes his OCD to have the place clean- OCD

wants to keep it that way- we may have to fire her- we will see)

[Guest guest]

, lol, fire the cleaning lady to treat/boss back the OCD? Have to smile at

that.

He is currently on 25 mg and doing pretty well ( tho we jsut got a cleaning

lady for the first time in about 6 years and I can see how happy it makes his

OCD to have the place clean- OCD wants to keep it that way- we may have to fire

her- we will see)

>

[Guest guest]

, lol, fire the cleaning lady to treat/boss back the OCD? Have to smile at

that.

He is currently on 25 mg and doing pretty well ( tho we jsut got a cleaning

lady for the first time in about 6 years and I can see how happy it makes his

OCD to have the place clean- OCD wants to keep it that way- we may have to fire

her- we will see)

>

[Guest guest]

The only thing that worked for my son - without side effects is Luvox...

>

> I am new to the listserve and really struggling. I, myself, have OCD which is

managed with meds...but one of my 8 year old sons (I have triplets) has been

recently diagnosed and has been really suffering. Unfortunately, he seems to be

having a paradoxical reaction to SSRI's. First we tried zoloft and he became

hypomanic. Now we have switched to a very tiny dose of liquid prozac (2mg) and

he is still very " activated. " I know that there is research that says that if a

child is having this kind of reaction to SSRI's that there may be some

underlying bi-polarity, but the doctor and I just do not see any flags that

would suggest that. I really am hesitant to put him on a mood stabalizer when

the only time his mood is labile is when he is on medication. We are losing

hope and becoming despondent over here. It feels like my family is unraveling.

We also are trying to get him a 504 plan at school, which looks like it will

happen, but I don't think the school has ever had a kid on a 504 with OCD before

so it just makes me feel like I am treading water and asking for accommodations

that I hope will work (timed tests and work shut him down and trigger him). If

there is anyone who has any suggestions or experience in this area, please...my

husband and I feel so alone and isolated in this. I certainly know my share of

children who are on the autism spectrum or have ADHD...but we seem hopelessly

alone with pediatric OCD.

>

[Guest guest]

You might want to take a look at thebalancedmind.org to read up on pediatric

bipolar disorder: it doesn't follow the exact same patterns as the adult version

of bp. Many doctors are reluctant to " label " a child with bp. But if an SSRI

med makes things worse and a mood-stabilizing med helps, it doesn't really

matter what you call it. My son has bp and we spent many anguishing years

searching for the " right " mood-stabilizing med for him. Finally we found it.

What emerged after his mood was stabilized was OCD. OCD was probably there all

along, but masked by the other more dramatic symptoms. Anyhow, as you probably

know, a person with BP who can't tolerate an SSRI alone can often tolerate an

SSRI once a mood stabilizing med is in place. My son is able to take Zoloft in

addition to mood stabilizers. In addition to Zoloft, he needed (and continues

with) CBT with ERP. He's made good progress thanks to an excellent

psychologist. (And thanks to his own determination.) Hope this helps.

> The only thing that worked for my son - without side effects is Luvox...

>

>

> >

> > I am new to the listserve and really struggling. I, myself, have OCD which

is managed with meds...but one of my 8 year old sons (I have triplets) has been

recently diagnosed and has been really suffering. Unfortunately, he seems to be

having a paradoxical reaction to SSRI's. First we tried zoloft and he became

hypomanic. Now we have switched to a very tiny dose of liquid prozac (2mg) and

he is still very " activated. " I know that there is research that says that if a

child is having this kind of reaction to SSRI's that there may be some

underlying bi-polarity, but the doctor and I just do not see any flags that

would suggest that. I really am hesitant to put him on a mood stabalizer when

the only time his mood is labile is when he is on medication. We are losing hope

and becoming despondent over here. It feels like my family is unraveling. We

also are trying to get him a 504 plan at school, which looks like it will

happen, but I don't think the school has ever had a kid on a 504 with OCD before

so it just makes me feel like I am treading water and asking for accommodations

that I hope will work (timed tests and work shut him down and trigger him). If

there is anyone who has any suggestions or experience in this area, please...my

husband and I feel so alone and isolated in this. I certainly know my share of

children who are on the autism spectrum or have ADHD...but we seem hopelessly

alone with pediatric OCD.

> >

>

>