New research has revealed a drastic increase in the number of prescription medicines used by children.

The research by the University of Otago found a 50 percent spike in the number of kids over the age of 12 using the antidepressant Fluoxetine.

Doctor Richard Medlicott, from the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, told Kate Hawkesby Fluoxetine is the only antidepressant that is effective for adolescents.

"It used to be a real concern that giving adolescents antidepressants would increase their thoughts of self-harm or suicide but if you look at international studies, the rates where Fluoxetine use has gone up is associated with lower rates of actual suicide."

However, he says doctors need to be mindful of overprescribing.

"It can be difficult to make the diagnosis [because] many adolescents have got troubled lives which aren't caused by depression or anxiety but might be the chaotic lives they live or personality issues."

Medlicott says antidepressants generally are not the first call when dealing with mental health issues.

"I think any GP would try to take a more holistic view of what's going on in that person's life and try and address it. We have seen some increased funding going through to talk therapy for people but there needs to be more."

LISTEN ABOVE AS RICHARD MEDICOTT SPEAKS WITH KATE HAWKESBY 

Where to get help:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Or if you need to talk to someone else:

Lifeline – 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Youthline – 0800 376 633 or free text 234
Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (for under 18s)
What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds 1pm–10pm weekdays and 3pm–10pm weekends)
Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
OUTLine NZ – 0800 688 5463
Healthline – 0800 611 116