Very often, young children develop seperation anxiety. This often occurs when they spend more and more time away from their family environments. When a child is separated from a primary attachment figure, it can cause forms of separation anxiety to occur. A parent or parents, a caregiver, or other such figures often describes a primary attachment figure. When a child feels a sense of separation anxiety, it is very normal. However, in some cases of extreme anxiety, when it interrupts the day-to-day life of the child and the caregiver, the anxiety must be dealt with in the way of therapy and/or medications.



Several medications exist that a doctor or therapist can prescribe for your child to deal with anxiety of any kind. A few of these medications include Zoloft, Paxil, Xanax, and Prozac. All of these medications are known as SSRI's, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These medications are all fairly new anti-depressants on the market and they often have very little side effects. When your child takes any of these drugs, he or she may feel overly nervous at first. However, after several weeks the feeling typically goes away. Some side effects of anti-depressants that children may feel are: drowsiness, fatigue, and confusion. These medications may be taken when needed, depending on what your child's doctor thinks. Sometimes they are even taken two to three times a day -- whatever your child's doctor feels is right. Your child's doctor will make his or her conclusion based on your child's body chemistry, as well as how severe your child's anxiety actually is.

There is another type of medication that will combat anxiety. This is known as a tricyclic. Tricyclics are also referred to as MAOI's (monoamine oxidase inhibitors). It is typical for tricyclics to have a greater amount of side effects than SSRI's. It is not unusual for tricyclics to often cause a decent amount of weight gain, sleepiness, or dizziness. Tricyclics are an older kind of drug than SSRI's. Because of thise, there has been a great deal more of scientific research done on tricyclics. Doctors have concluded that when mixed with certain foods and drinks such as cheese and wine, tricyclics can cause an increased amount of side effects and dangerous reactions. These reactions include an increase in blood pressure and other severe problems.

There are also other anti-anxiety medications that your child can use on an "as needed" basis. These types of drugs generally include drugs such as Valium, Ativan, and Xanax. It is not very common for doctors to put very young children on such drugs, as they are known to be addictive and stong.

In conclusion, many anti-anxiety medications such as SSRI's, MAOI's, and others can help a great deal to relieve your child's anxiety. However, it is important to remember that when giving your child any of these drugs, you -- as well as your doctor -- should montior them for any side effects. If the medication works for your child, he or she will be able to live life much more comfortably and happily -- and so will you!