Sunday, August 3, 2025

11:00 AM - 11:40 AM

Pyrmont Theatre

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Details

Pharmacists are increasingly seeing prescriptions for high doses of antidepressants in children and adolescents, particularly fluoxetine. These doses often exceed guideline recommendations and may not have been extensively studied in this age group. So, do they work? Are they safe? Or is this an emerging norm in clinical practice? This session will explore the evidence (or lack of it) behind antidepressant use in young people, including when high-dose prescribing may be appropriate and when pharmacists should be concerned. Gain practical insights into assessing antidepressant prescriptions, supporting adherence, collaborating with prescribers, and engaging in shared decision-making with young patients and their caregivers. The session will also highlight evidence-based non-pharmacological strategies pharmacists can recommend including digital tools, sleep hygiene, exercise and other lifestyle interventions. Learning Objectives: - Describe current guideline recommendations for antidepressant use in children and adolescents. - Discuss treatment expectations including the risks, benefits and uncertainties of antidepressant prescribing in young people. - Discuss with prescribers and the wider healthcare team to support adherence and monitoring of treatment. - Identify non-pharmacological strategies pharmacists can promote to support mental health in young people. Competency Standards (2016): 3.1, 3.3, 3.5

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Speakers