Anyone medicate their kid for anxiety?

My 8 year old has suffered anxiety for a few years, and it hasn't gotten much better even after several bouts of counselling and proggrams we've attended. We have a very routine stable household but she doesn't seem to handle any change or any stress in her life.....and it is affecting us all, and her school, and her sleep (and ours). They are going to do a psych evaluation on her to rule out other issues, but I am fairly confident that it is just moderate to severe anxiety. She has panic attacks a few times a week and her sleep is very irrattic. I don't want to medicate, and we have tried homeopathic 'medicine' and supplements , but haven't had any significant results. So do you medicate, with what, and how do you think it works or doesn't.

with the natural stuff did you try the calm forte? My mother has terrible anxiety when going out in public places, that is the only way we can get her to go anywhere most days

Quoting Unique Mama:" with the natural stuff did you try the calm forte? My mother has terrible anxiety when going out in public places, that is the only way we can get her to go anywhere most days"

I think we were limited on things that were okay for kids-We tried Rescue Remedy and another spray, fish oils, and melatonin for sleep. Nothing helps.

You should try working on helping her learn techniques to manage the anxiety. Medicating her is something she'll likely be stuck with for life. It's best for her to learn at a young age how to manage panic attacks natural ways.

yeh she uses the rescue remedy spray too sometimes..darn   was hoping I could think of something for you! I hope they figure out something that'll work for her.

I would give therapy a shot by keeping at it. Sometimes it takes years of consistent wotk to get anywhere

Quoting Devil's Advocate:" You should try working on helping her learn techniques to manage the anxiety. Medicating her is something ... [snip!] ... she'll likely be stuck with for life. It's best for her to learn at a young age how to manage panic attacks natural ways."

We have and we still are. She does breathing, she has cards, we have worry time, a worry box, we have books, and weekly counselling. Her problem is that she can't use these tools because she goes from fine to panic attack in 10 seconds. I'm hoping maturity will help her self regulate, but until then.....? I am too afraid that she will need medicine forever, which is why I am so hesitant.

Quoting Unique Mama:" yeh she uses the rescue remedy spray too sometimes..darn   was hoping I could think of something for you! I hope they figure out something that'll work for her."

Thanks-me too.

Quoting Liam + 40 Weeks....:" I would give therapy a shot by keeping at it. Sometimes it takes years of consistent wotk to get anywhere"

We have and we are still, and I always will. However she needs to be able to learn at school and sleep, and be able to attend some familty functions without breaking out in hives and hypeerventilating.

Quoting mama3trish:" We have and we still are. She does breathing, she has cards, we have worry time, a worry box, we have ... [snip!] ... her self regulate, but until then.....? I am too afraid that she will need medicine forever, which is why I am so hesitant."

Meds will help her till she can learn a technique
just pay attention that they dont make her a zombie teach her alot about self awareness of her body so she can tell you how the meds make her feel after the usual three week trial period....sounds like sadly she just needs time with therapy

Quoting mama3trish:" We have and we still are. She does breathing, she has cards, we have worry time, a worry box, we have ... [snip!] ... her self regulate, but until then.....? I am too afraid that she will need medicine forever, which is why I am so hesitant."

I would be really hesitant to give her meds. I am on anxiety medication and probably will be for life. I never learned how to function on my own. As she matures, it should get better. Until then, you're doing all you can. Maybe research a technique you're not using yet?

Hypoglycemic diet and b12, magnesium, vit d and fish oil...worked really well for me. Cutting out all that sugar sucked but I felt so much better.

Quoting pitbullprincess:" Meds will help her till she can learn a technique just pay attention that they dont make her a zombie ... [snip!] ... you how the meds make her feel after the usual three week trial period....sounds like sadly she just needs time with therapy "

The problem with these medications is that coming off of them will more than likely set you right back and you can't be normal without them. If I don't take mine every day, the panic attacks are unbearable.

Quoting Devil's Advocate:" I would be really hesitant to give her meds. I am on anxiety medication and probably will be for life. ... [snip!] ... As she matures, it should get better. Until then, you're doing all you can. Maybe research a technique you're not using yet?"

The counsellor we got this time seems really determined that she will find something to help, but she is also really suggesting meds at every session. I am familiar with anti0psychotic meds, and anti-depressants from my sister who has borderline and depression -and she is now med free, but know nothing about anxiety meds. Thanks for your insight.

Quoting mama3trish:" The counsellor we got this time seems really determined that she will find something to help, but she ... [snip!] ... who has borderline and depression -and she is now med free, but know nothing about anxiety meds. Thanks for your insight."

My therapist had me take a hot bath every night. The rise in body temperature helps settle the brain down. That might help her sleep a little better.