Posted by Sulpicia on June 18, 2001, at 21:58:19
In reply to zyprexa/olanzapine, posted by Kyle on June 18, 2001, at 21:00:58
> I can't find much info on zyprexa. Can anyone tell me what they know about prescribing this med for a 15 yr-old? She is also taking 150mg of zoloft.
>
> At www.mentalhealth.com it says, "The safety and efficacy of olanzapine in children under the age of 18 years have not been established."
>
> So, why would a doc put her on it?? Any input would be appreciated.
>
> Kyle
Hi Kyle:
it says the same thing about nearly every med [no safety etc under age X] -- all it means is that
there are no large scale studies of children taking the med, and the simple reason is that
studies on children are not done like those on adults -- it's fine for instance to study 3 or 4
dosages with adults but the consensus is that it's not ok for kids.
You will get data in time but it's culled from other sources. The best example is the MTA Study on methylphenidate
and ADHD. This didn't study dosage per se [rather effectiveness] but the combined weight of studies like this and others
will eventually create a determination of safety and efficacy for a given age group. With methylphenidate, it's age 6+FWIW, my daughter takes lamictal for bipolar II: it's not safe or approved for kids below 16 yet toddlers as young as 18 months
take it for seizures. The docs learn the dosages from colleagues in the field and small publications and discussions.What is your child's diagnosis? Sometimes the best web site is specific to the disorder. Perhaps I can suggest a few if I'm familiar
with the disorder?
NAMI has good info on meds.
DrKoop.com
NIMH
did you check Dr. Bob's searchable psychopharmacology tips -- link above?
S.
poster:Sulpicia
thread:236
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/child/20000813/msgs/237.html