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Best Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for Teens

Author:
Hayley Snelling
Hayley Snelling
B.S. Psychology
Editor:
Emma Loker
Emma Loker
B.S.
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Mental health struggles in your teenage years are more common than most people realize, with one in five teens having this experience each year.1 Feeling overwhelmed or like your feelings are out of control doesn’t mean you’re broken – it makes you human. For many teens dealing with depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), feeling better starts with getting the right support. One treatment that can help with depression is medication. 

One of the most commonly prescribed medications for teen mental health issues is an antidepressant called an SSRI, which is short for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. These can help balance chemicals in the brain and ease symptoms like sadness, anxiety, or obsessive thoughts. They don’t work instantly and they aren’t a magic wand that will fix everything, but for many people, they can make a huge difference. 

If you have questions about SSRIs, you’ve come to the right place. On this page, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know from beginning to end, from how they work and what side effects there might be through to how to stop taking them safely in the future. Let’s dive in.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for Teens

How SSRIs Work in Teenage Brains

To understand how SSRIs work, you need to understand how the brain is connected with our emotions. There are certain brain chemicals – neurotransmitters – that send messages between brain cells (neurons) that help to regulate emotions. One of these neurotransmitters is called serotonin, which is often referred to as a “feel-good” chemical because it plays a big role in balancing our mood. It’s thought that in people with anxiety or depression, these serotonin levels may be lower than usual. That’s where SSRIs can help to rebalance the levels and help improve mood.2

SSRIs work by slowing down how quickly serotonin is reabsorbed (inhibiting the reuptake) into neurons, meaning there is more serotonin freely available in the brain. That’s why they are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Are SSRIs Safe for Teenagers?

SSRIs can be very effective treatments for teens with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and OCD, and it’s important to know how safe they are to use in teenagers, especially as their brains are still developing. Let’s take a look at what science and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have to say about it. 

Antidepressants and Teenage Brain Development

The impact on brain development in teens taking SSRIs doesn’t have a clear answer, although there is little evidence that the developing teenage brain is at any risk. However, there isn’t solid evidence to prove that there is absolutely no risk.3 Because of this, there must always be a risk-benefit analysis by a medical professional when a teen starts antidepressants, just as when anyone takes any new medication. 

Antidepressants and Suicidal Thinking

The FDA reported that antidepressants may increase suicidal thinking and behavior in a small number of teens, which is why antidepressants are labeled with strong warnings in a black box, known as a Black Box Warning.4 Although this warning sounds scary, remember that your doctor will have considered the pros and cons before prescribing antidepressants to an adolescent, and will do what they believe is in their best interest. 

Which Antidepressants Are Safe for Teenagers?

Antidepressants are generally safe when taken in line with the instructions you are given. The FDA has approved several antidepressants for use in children and teens. Currently, Prozac (fluoxetine) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are the only FDA-approved medicines for teens with depression.5 In addition, Zoloft (sertraline) and Luvox (fluvoxamine) are FDA-approved to treat OCD in teens.6

It’s useful to know that some medications for treating anxiety and depression in teens are not specifically approved by the FDA for those uses, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been thoroughly studied or are not safe and effective. Make sure to discuss medications with your doctor and ask as many questions as you have to help you decide on the right treatment for you. 

Long-Term Use of SSRIs in Teens

There is not much research into the effect of long-term use of SSRIs in teens. One study suggests that long-term use of antidepressants in children may affect growth and bone mineral density, as well as increase the risk for type-2 diabetes and weight gain.7 However, more research is needed to determine the long-term risks and their impact on the teen as an adult. 

What Are the Most Common SSRIs for Teens?

Let’s take a quick look at some of the most commonly prescribed SSRIs in teens and what they are used for:2,6,8,9

  • Fluoxetine     (Prozac): Used to treat depression, anxiety, and OCD
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro): Used to treat depression and anxiety
  • Sertraline (Zoloft): Used to treat depression, anxiety, and OCD
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox): Used to treat depression, anxiety, and OCD
  • Paroxetine (Paxil): Used to treat  depression and anxiety
  • Citalopram (Celexa): Used to treat depression and anxiety

As you can see, there are differences between SSRIs for teens depending on the condition which is being treated. Your doctor will discuss with you which medication may be the best choice depending on what challenges you are currently facing. 

SSRIs for OCD, Anxiety, and Depression

As mentioned already, common SSRIs for depression in youth aren’t used just for depression, they can also treat anxiety and OCD. Here’s an overview of these conditions, and how SSRIs can be used to help manage symptoms:

  • Depression    : Usually looks like sadness, loss of interest in doing things, and feeling hopeless. SSRIs help by increasing serotonin levels to improve your mood and energy. They are usually the first-line treatment for depression and can be combined with talking therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to make it even more effective. 
  • Anxiety: This includes conditions such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic attacks. SSRIs can help reduce your anxiety, however, therapy such as CBT is vital for understanding and treating the root of the issue.10
  • OCD: OCD involves obsessional thoughts and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to help reduce the anxiety and fear that results from the obsessions. SSRIs for teenage OCD can help reduce anxiety, however, combining SSRIs with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy makes treatment more effective.11

Side Effects of SSRIs on Teens

This is the part that a lot of people are scared about: the side effects of medication. Sometimes, you won’t notice them at all, and other times they can feel impossible to ignore. However, one in ten children and teens do experience side effects from SSRIs.12 The most common side effects of SSRIs in teens include:13

  • Nausea
  • Stomach aches
  • Headaches
  • Agitation
  • Irritability
  • Sleep problems
  • Impulsivity

In addition, there is the black box warning from earlier to be aware of relating to possible suicidal thoughts. 

Some of these side effects can be easily managed, like taking medication at bedtime if it makes you feel drowsy. Helping teens manage SSRI side effects is important for getting through the initial build-up phase of medication so that they can feel the positive effects of antidepressants, such as better mood. 

If you experience any side effects, remember to discuss them with your doctor so that they know how the medication is affecting you. If you are experiencing unpleasant side effects, there are always options available to try. 

SSRIs vs Therapy for Teen Depression

Both SSRIs and therapy are effective at treating depression in teens, and the decision about which one to choose is often based on personal preferences and how the depression affects you. 

When considering therapy, the American Psychological Association (APA) recommends either CBT or newer, innovative treatments like Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT).8 CBT can help you regulate your feelings and address any patterns that may be keeping the depression going. IPT helps you to communicate better and hone your problem-solving skills so that you can navigate stressful situations or relationships better. Therapy helps you get to the root cause of depression. 

The first medication used to treat depression is often an SSRI called fluoxetine (Prozac), as it is one of the safest medications available.8 It can help to improve mood and make it easier to live your daily life. However, it doesn’t treat any underlying psychological causes of depression. 

Treating teen depression often involves a combination of therapy and medication to get the most benefit overall. Ultimately, everyone responds differently to different treatments, so the decision to use either medication, therapy, or a combination of the two is a personal decision to be discussed with your doctor. 

How to Know if an SSRI Is Working in Teens

You can usually expect to feel the benefits of taking SSRIs regularly within four to six weeks. The side effects should have subsided, and the medication will have had enough time to start balancing the brain chemicals. If you’re taking SSRIs for depression, you should start to notice your mood improving, and other symptoms you have should also begin to ease. You might find your focus improves, that you are picking up activities and hobbies you used to like, and that you feel more hopeful again.14

You may find keeping a journal helps you to keep track of how you feel and how symptoms change. 

How to Quit SSRIs Safely

When the time comes for you to stop taking antidepressants, it’s important to do it slowly and under the supervision of your doctor. Quitting SSRIs in adolescents or stopping ‘cold turkey’ can bring on unpleasant withdrawal effects, the same as it does in adults.15 These can vary from mild to severe, with the SSRI withdrawal timeline teens face being anywhere from days to months, depending on the medication, dose, how long you’ve taken them for, and how you come off of them.16 

Withdrawal symptoms in teens can include:

  • Feeling like you have the flu (fatigue, aches)
  • Vivid dreams or nightmares
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Mood changes 
  • Tingling sensations

This is why it is so important to discuss with your doctor when you are thinking of stopping your medication and to involve them every step of the way so that you can come off of them as easily and safely as possible. Tapering down your medication dose – reducing it slowly over time – allows your body and brain to adjust to having fewer antidepressants each day, making withdrawal effects less likely to occur and less severe.
Teen taking medication

Seek Help for Depression Today

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of depression and wondering what you can do, know that support is available. Mission Prep specializes in helping teens with their mental health, including depression. 

Depression can affect everyone differently, which is why we have a range of treatment options available, tailored to meet your unique needs, including:

Our team of mental health professionals is here for you every step of the way. Reach out to us today to discover how we can support you through your journey to healing.

References

  1. Sappenfield, O., Alberto, C., Minnaert, J., Donney, J., Lebrun-Harris, L., & Ghandour, R. (2024, October 1). Adolescent mental and behavioral health, 2023. National Survey of Children’s Health Data Briefs – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK608531/
  2. Miller, C. (2024, November 18). Medication for kids with depression. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/medication-for-kids-with-depression/
  3. Cousins, L., & Goodyer, I. M. (2015). Antidepressants and the adolescent brain. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 29(5), 545–555. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881115573542
  4. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2018, February 5). Suicidality in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/suicidality-children-and-adolescents-being-treated-antidepressant-medications
  5. Office of the Commissioner. (2019, November 18). Depression medicines. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/depression-medicines
  6. Miller, C. (2025, April 9). Best anxiety medication for children and teens. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/best-medications-for-kids-anxiety/
  7. Murphy, S. E., Capitão, L. P., Giles, S. L. C., Cowen, P. J., Stringaris, A., & Harmer, C. J. (2021). The knowns and unknowns of SSRI treatment in young people with depression and anxiety: Efficacy, predictors, and mechanisms of action. The Lancet Psychiatry, 8(9), 824–835. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2215-0366(21)00154-1
  8. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Depression treatments for children and adolescents. https://www.apa.org/depression-guideline/children-and-adolescents
  9. American Psychological Association. (2019). APA clinical practice guideline for the treatment of depression across three age cohorts [Report]. https://www.apa.org/depression-guideline/guideline.pdf
  10. Miller, C. (2025, February 6). How anxiety affects teenagers. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/signs-of-anxiety-in-teenagers/
  11. International OCD Foundation. (2024, May 20). Treating OCD in children & teens – OCD in kids. https://kids.iocdf.org/professionals/mh/treating-ocd-in-children-teens/
  12. American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Antidepressants side effects: Pediatric mental health minute series. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/mental-health-minute/antidepressants-side-effects/
  13. Gillette, H. (2023, April 28). Antidepressants for teens: What works? Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/depression/should-i-put-my-teenager-on-antidepressants
  14. Arond, S. L. P. M. a. M. (2025, March 31). …and why others might notice before you do. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/depression-a-guide-for-the-perplexed/202308/how-to-tell-that-drugs-for-depression-are-starting
  15. Khan, Y. S., Khoodoruth, M. A. S., Albobali, Y., & Haddad, P. M. (2023). SSRI withdrawal syndrome in children and adolescents: A narrative literature review. Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, 22(5), 381–390. https://doi.org/10.1080/14740338.2023.2224557
  16. Pedersen, T. (2025, February 14). Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms timeline. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/antidepressant-withdrawal-symptoms-timeline

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