Which medication is an SSRI commonly used to treat adolescent depression?

Which medication is an SSRI commonly used to treat adolescent depression?

• A. Fluoxetine
• B. Venlafaxine
• C. Bupropion
• D. Mirtazapine

Answer: (A)

In adolescents with depression, selecting an antidepressant that has solid pediatric data and official approval is key, and fluoxetine fits that pattern best. It is an SSRI, meaning it increases serotonin in the brain by blocking its reuptake, which helps lift mood. Fluoxetine has the strongest evidence in youths and is approved for major depressive disorder in children as young as about 8 years old, making it the most reliable first-line pharmacologic option in this group. Its relatively long half-life also helps with adherence and reduces withdrawal risk if a dose is missed. Other medications in this set either belong to different classes or lack strong data for treating pediatric depression. Venlafaxine is an SNRI with less pediatric evidence for MDD and has potential cardiovascular risks. Bupropion is not well supported for adolescent depression and carries a seizure risk. Mirtazapine can cause weight gain and sedation and has less robust pediatric efficacy data. Regardless of the choice, monitoring for suicidality and adverse effects is essential when treating antidepressants in adolescents, especially early in therapy.

In adolescents with depression, selecting an antidepressant that has solid pediatric data and official approval is key, and fluoxetine fits that pattern best. It is an SSRI, meaning it increases serotonin in the brain by blocking its reuptake, which helps lift mood. Fluoxetine has the strongest evidence in youths and is approved for major depressive disorder in children as young as about 8 years old, making it the most reliable first-line pharmacologic option in this group. Its relatively long half-life also helps with adherence and reduces withdrawal risk if a dose is missed.

Other medications in this set either belong to different classes or lack strong data for treating pediatric depression. Venlafaxine is an SNRI with less pediatric evidence for MDD and has potential cardiovascular risks. Bupropion is not well supported for adolescent depression and carries a seizure risk. Mirtazapine can cause weight gain and sedation and has less robust pediatric efficacy data. Regardless of the choice, monitoring for suicidality and adverse effects is essential when treating antidepressants in adolescents, especially early in therapy.