Depression Treatment Medication Potential Prozac Side Effects in Children Side effects are often mild in children By Lauren DiMaria linkedin Lauren DiMaria is a member of the Society of Clinical Research Associates and childhood psychology expert. Learn about our editorial process Lauren DiMaria Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Aron Janssen, MD on June 29, 2020 linkedin Aron Janssen, MD is board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry and is the vice chair of child and adolescent psychiatry Northwestern University. Learn about our Review Board Aron Janssen, MD Updated on September 17, 2020 Print Rebecca Nelson / Taxi / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Side Effects Suicidal Ideation Risk and Benefits Prozac (fluoxetine) is an approved antidepressant for children ages 8 and older. It is a commonly prescribed medication for children and teens with major depressive disorder and sometimes bipolar disorder. Prozac is one of the most commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications for adults, and it has been shown to also be effective for kids. While it's not advised that Prozac be prescribed to every child with depression, it can be part of a successful treatment plan for some. Before your child begins taking Prozac, it's important that you understand its potential side effects. Have a conversation with your child's doctor and be sure to monitor your child's behavior carefully if they do start taking it. Side Effects Prozac is generally well-tolerated in children, and few stop taking it because of bothersome side effects. The side effects of Prozac are often mild and short-lasting. If side effects occur, they usually show up at the start of treatment and often resolve within a few weeks without any need for additional intervention. Common Side Effects Common side effects may include: Appetite changes (increase or decrease) Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea) Headaches Restless legs Restlessness Sedation Sleep changes (e.g., insomnia, somnolence, vivid dreams, nightmares, impaired sleep) Sweating Less Common Side Effects Additionally, a small percentage of children who take Prozac may show increased impulsivity, agitation, or irritability. These symptoms appear to be more likely in children with bipolar disorder, or those who are predisposed to develop it. Be sure to let your child's healthcare provider know if they have ever experienced a manic or hypomanic state, or if there is a family history of bipolar disorder. Serious Side Effects Although rare, Prozac is associated with certain more serious side effects. If you notice any of the following in your child, contact your healthcare provider immediately: New or worsening anxiety or depression symptoms Panic attacks (e.g., difficulty breathing, racing heartbeat) Problems with coordination Severe agitation or restlessness Symptoms of mania (e.g., racing thoughts, pressured and fast speech, excessive risk-taking) Uncontrollable anger or violence Unusual changes in behavior or mood Increased Thoughts of Suicide Another serious side effect that warrants special attention is the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Though it's important for everyone to be aware of suicidal ideation and self-harm signs in youth, it's even more imperative when children are taking an SSRI. The FDA has issued a public warning that suicidal thoughts and behavior may increase in children and adolescents up to age 25 who are taking SSRI antidepressant medications. The risk is highest when the medication is first taken and whenever the dose is changed. Some of the warning signs include an increase in sadness, isolation, panic attacks, or aggressiveness. These may be subtle and lead to thoughts about suicide or dying, suicide attempts, or self-injury. If your child is having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Risks and Benefits According to reviews reported by the National Institute of Mental Health, the benefits of antidepressants most likely outweigh the risks for children and adolescents with major depression and anxiety disorders. Like all medications, the decision to start treatment with an SSRI should carefully weigh the expected benefits and risks—including potential side effects—of the drug. While many side effects may resolve with time, a child should not suffer unnecessarily from additional complications. There are many depression treatment options that can help minimize the potential for these side effects. A Word From Verywell Generally, it is still preferred that children with depression only use antidepressants as a last resort; therapy remains the first line of defense among treatment options. Although most side effects of Prozac in children are usually mild and temporary, discuss all side effects, regardless of severity, with your child's clinician. As a team, you can work together to figure out the best treatment. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. Get our free guide when you sign up for our newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Institute on Mental Health. Antidepressant Medications for Children and Adolescents: Information for Parents and Caregivers. 2018. Additional Reading Cipriani A, et al. Comparative efficacy and tolerability of antidepressants for major depressive disorder in children and adolescents: A network meta-analysis. The Lancet. 2016;388(10047):881–90. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30385-3 Eli Lily. Medication Guide: Prozac. 2016. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Depression—Medicines to Help You. 2018.