From the Guidelines
For an 8-year-old child with anxiety requiring as-needed (prn) medication, lorazepam (Ativan) is a common option, dosed at 0.025-0.05 mg/kg per dose (typically 0.5-1 mg) given every 4-6 hours as needed, as supported by the American Heart Association 1.
Key Considerations
- Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam, should only be prescribed by a pediatrician, child psychiatrist, or other qualified healthcare provider after a thorough evaluation.
- These medications should be used sparingly for acute anxiety episodes rather than as regular treatment.
- Non-medication approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy should be the primary treatment for childhood anxiety, as recommended by the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1.
Important Safety Information
- Parents should monitor for side effects including drowsiness, dizziness, and paradoxical agitation.
- Benzodiazepines carry risks of dependence even with short-term use, so they should be used cautiously and for the shortest duration necessary.
- Regular follow-up with the prescribing provider is essential to assess effectiveness and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Alternative Options
- Hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax) is another alternative, dosed at 0.5-1 mg/kg every 6 hours as needed (usually 10-25 mg per dose).
- However, the most recent and highest quality studies support the use of lorazepam as a prn medication for anxiety in children 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
It is not known if lorazepam oral concentrate is safe and effective for use in children less than 12 years of age Lorazepam Oral Concentrate is a prescription medicine used: to treat anxiety disorders for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety that can happen with symptoms of depression
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
PRN Anxiety Medications for an 8-Year-Old
There are several medications that can be used as-needed (PRN) for anxiety in children, but the specific options may vary depending on the individual child's needs and medical history.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat anxiety in children, including those as young as 8 years old 2, 3, 4.
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) may also be used to treat anxiety in children, although they are not as widely studied as SSRIs in this age group 4.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also an effective treatment for anxiety in children and can be used in conjunction with medication or as a standalone treatment 2, 3, 5, 6.
Important Considerations
When considering PRN anxiety medications for an 8-year-old, it's essential to:
- Consult with a pediatrician or child psychiatrist to determine the best course of treatment for the individual child.
- Carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of medication, including the risk of side effects and the potential for long-term effects on the child's developing brain.
- Consider the child's overall health and medical history, as well as any other medications they may be taking.
- Monitor the child's response to treatment and adjust the medication or therapy as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.
Note: The provided evidence does not specifically address PRN anxiety medications for an 8-year-old, but rather discusses the effectiveness of various treatments for anxiety in children and adolescents.