Can Lexapro be given to children and adolescents?

In the prescribing information for Lexapro, it does not say to not give Lexapro to a child or adolescent. It says that the safety and effectiveness of Lexapro in the pediatric population (under 18 years of age) has not been established. One placebo-controlled trial in 264 pediatric patients with Major Depressive Disorder has been conducted with Lexapro, and the data were not sufficient to support a claim for use in pediatric patients. Anyone considering the use of Lexapro in a child or adolescent must balance the potential risks with the clinical need.