Is Zoloft safe for a 13 year old boy who is suffering from bipolar disorder?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am concerned about the medication that my 13 year old son is currently taking for bipolar disorder. He was diagnosed bipolar disorder at the age of 7. After trying several medications Depakote was the one that worked best. My ex-husband got custody of him 4 years ago and pulled him off from his medication. Last month my son threatened suicide and was hospitalized and placed on Zoloft. I recently spoke with my son's counselor and she said that Zoloft is used to treat depression and that he should be on a secondary medication for bipolar. His past medicines are Intuniv and Depakote and his current medicines are Zoloft and Vyvanse. I have tried speaking with my son's therapist. However, my ex-husband has told her not to speak to me regarding my son's treatment. I have noticed in conversations as well as visits with my son that he sometimes seems more depressed and agitated even threatening to run away from home. Is Zoloft used to treat bipolar without any secondary medication? Is it safe for a 13 year old?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First of all, I want to inform you that Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) and Intuniv (Guanfacine) tablets are indicated for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Depakote (Valproic acid) is an antiepileptic and mood stabilizer. It is useful for bipolar disorder. If your child is diagnosed with bipolar, then he should receive Depakote or other mood stabilizer. Zoloft (Sertraline) is an antidepressant and by this chance of switch to mania is there. So, in bipolar patients if depressive symptoms are prominent, then antidepressant can be given only under the cover of mood stabilizer. Antidepressant should not be used for long term in bipolar patients. Once depressive symptoms get resolve, patient should maintain only on mood stabilizer. Antidepressant should get taper off gradually.