Ask the expert

tada

Anti-anxiety Medication

For this question we have not yet organized an advisory council in the specified regions and/or condition

Question

Our son, age 21, has a high anxiety level. What medications would be a good replacement for Valium, to which he is sensitive and lacks tolerance?

Answer of our experts

There are lots of anti-anxiety medications for kids  most have the common side effects of 1) sedation (which the child may "fight" and generate paradoxical agitation) and 2) disinhibition which may unmask more troublesome behavior which was being "controlled" before

I suggest very low doses of neuroleptic (drug inducing an altered state of consciousness) such as 0.125 to 0.25 mg of Risperdal, 1 mg to 2.5 mg of Zyprexa, or 12.5 mg of Seroquel if the "anxiety" is really mild agitation in familiar situations. Of the true "anti-anxiety" drugs, perhaps a trial of Ativan (lorazepam) at micro doses (0.25 mg to 0.5 mg). Lastly, there is Buspar (buspirone) which can reduce anxiety over a longer period  but which has side effects of stomach distress and may not be tolerated. Classic "sleepers," like Chloral hydrate, etc., are not good anti-anxiety agents.

DS/TK 7-13-10

Clonidine, Buspar, and antidepressants like serzone, low dose risperidone or zyprexa are all possibilities. I would start with serzone.

TG 4-10-01

Approved byDatabase of Most Frequently Asked Questions
Answer is checked and valid for
us
Find other pages that share the same topic as this page Anxiety1 Anxiety1 Anxiety8

Recommendation(s)

Anxiety

R59
Interventions targeting problematic repetitive behaviour in individuals with CdLS should be sensitive to anxiety, sensory problems and social demands. These interventions should also consider environmental factors.
R60
Atypical presentation of anxiety and mood disorder should be considered when behaviour changes occur.
R61
As anxiety is common in individuals with CdLS during periods of environmental change/transitions, a planned program should be implemented.
R62
Treatment of anxiety and mood disorders in individuals with CdLS should be considered using psychosocial interventions (therapies) and pharmacotherapy (medication).

Legal Disclaimer

 

Please take note that the Ask the Expert service is comprised of volunteer professionals in various areas of focus. Answers are not considered a medical, behavioral, or educational consultation. Ask the Expert is not a substitute for the care and attention your child’s personal physician, psychologist, educational consultant, or social worker can deliver.

 

Do you have a question you would like to ask?

Ask a Question
On this site