Every child, at some point, feels stressed and anxious. However, if your child seems to be frequently stressed, or if anxiety is more intense than is usual, you may want to seek help. Not only can anxiety interfere with normal activities of your child’s life, but it also increases the chances that your child will develop mental issues, such as depression, social phobia, and panic attacks, as an adult. You have a variety of options, from prescription medication to homeopathic remedies. You should understand the options so you can make an informed decision to help your child.
Prescriptions
One option for your child’s anxiety is a prescription drug. These types of drugs are stronger than other options and come with more side effects. Although psychiatric medications tend to have more serious side effects, there are some types that are deemed safer for children to take. The ones most prescribed for children are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. FDA-approved SSRI meds include Zoloft, Prozac, and Cymbalta.
It is important to note that one of the side effects of these drugs is suicidal thoughts If your child is taking one of them, be on the lookout for signs such as:
- Self-injury
- Talk of dying
- Aggression or hostility
- Extreme increase in energy
- Impulsiveness
- Worsening anxiety or panic attacks
If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, you should call the doctor right away.
Over-the-Counter Meds
When it comes to treating certain medical conditions, some people prefer over-the-counter medication because they do not need to get a prescription from a doctor, and they have less serious side effects if taken correctly. However, when it comes to treating anxiety, there are not really any OTC medication that specifically addresses stress, anxiety, or any other mental disorder, as there needs to be careful monitoring of any medication that affects the brain.
Some adults take Benadryl for anxiety because it is a sedative and has calming effects. However, it should only be taken for short-term treatment, and you should check with your doctor before giving it to a child. As an alternative, you can check out Brillia reviews to see how it can help kids with anxiety without the dangerous side effects that come with other meds.
Homeopathic
Many parents choose homeopathic treatments for their child’s stress and anxiety because they are natural and safer. For example, when you look at the Brillia ingredients, you see that it has a homeopathic formation made from immune globulin mixtures.
There are also a variety of herbal remedies and supplements that tend to reduce the symptoms of anxiety:
- Lemon balm
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Skullcap
- Passionflower
- L-theanine
Although natural remedies are helpful, you need to make sure they are ok to use to treat children. Some of them also have negative reactions when combined with other medication, so check with your doctor if your child is on OTC or prescription meds.
Whether your child suffers from ADHD and you are looking for natural ADHD medication for kids, or your child is suffering from anxiety, there are treatment options that avoid the accompanying side effects of medication.
