Understanding Your Medications
Educational information about psychiatric medications to help you understand your treatment options and what to expect.
Important: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Individual responses to medications vary.
Medication Categories
Antidepressants
Medications that help relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other conditions.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Common Examples
Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (escitalopram), Celexa (citalopram)
How It Works
Increases serotonin levels in the brain by blocking its reabsorption.
Common Uses
Possible Side Effects
Nausea, Headache, Sleep changes, Sexual side effects
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Common Examples
Effexor (venlafaxine), Cymbalta (duloxetine), Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
How It Works
Increases both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
Common Uses
Possible Side Effects
Nausea, Dizziness, Sweating, Dry mouth, Constipation
Other Antidepressant Classes
Common Examples
Wellbutrin (bupropion), Remeron (mirtazapine), Trintellix (vortioxetine)
How It Works
Work through various mechanisms different from SSRIs/SNRIs.
Common Uses
Possible Side Effects
Varies by medication - discuss with your provider
Anti-Anxiety Medications
Medications that help reduce anxiety symptoms and promote calm.
Fast-Acting Anti-Anxiety Medications
Common Examples
Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam)
How It Works
Enhances the effect of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter.
Common Uses
Possible Side Effects
Drowsiness, Dizziness, Coordination problems, Dependency risk
Typically prescribed short-term due to dependency risk.
Non-Benzodiazepine Anxiolytic
Common Examples
BuSpar (buspirone)
How It Works
Affects serotonin and dopamine receptors.
Common Uses
Possible Side Effects
Dizziness, Nausea, Headache, Nervousness
Does not cause dependency; often preferred for long-term use.
Antihistamine with Anxiolytic Properties
Common Examples
Vistaril, Atarax (hydroxyzine)
How It Works
Blocks histamine receptors, producing sedative and anxiolytic effects.
Common Uses
Possible Side Effects
Drowsiness, Dry mouth, Headache
Non-habit forming alternative for anxiety relief.
Mood Stabilizers
Medications that help control mood swings in bipolar disorder and other conditions.
Classic Mood Stabilizer
Common Examples
Lithobid, Eskalith (lithium carbonate)
How It Works
Exact mechanism unknown; affects multiple neurotransmitter systems.
Common Uses
Possible Side Effects
Thirst, Frequent urination, Tremor, Weight gain
Requires regular blood level monitoring.
Mood-Stabilizing Anticonvulsants
Common Examples
Depakote (valproate), Lamictal (lamotrigine), Tegretol (carbamazepine)
How It Works
Stabilize electrical activity in the brain.
Common Uses
Possible Side Effects
Varies by medication - discuss with your provider
Some require regular blood monitoring.
Second-Generation Antipsychotics (as Mood Stabilizers)
Common Examples
Abilify (aripiprazole), Seroquel (quetiapine), Latuda (lurasidone)
How It Works
Affects dopamine and serotonin receptors.
Common Uses
Possible Side Effects
Weight gain, Drowsiness, Metabolic changes
Often used in combination with other mood stabilizers.
ADHD Medications
Medications that help improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
First-Line ADHD Medications
Common Examples
Adderall (amphetamine), Ritalin/Concerta (methylphenidate), Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
How It Works
Increases dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Common Uses
Possible Side Effects
Decreased appetite, Sleep difficulties, Increased heart rate, Irritability
Controlled substances; require regular follow-up.
Alternative ADHD Medications
Common Examples
Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), Kapvay (clonidine)
How It Works
Various mechanisms affecting norepinephrine and other systems.
Common Uses
Possible Side Effects
Varies by medication - discuss with your provider
Good option for those who can't tolerate stimulants.
Sleep Medications
Medications that help with insomnia and sleep disorders.
Z-Drugs
Common Examples
Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (eszopiclone), Sonata (zaleplon)
How It Works
Enhances GABA activity to promote sleep.
Common Uses
Possible Side Effects
Next-day drowsiness, Dizziness, Complex sleep behaviors
Typically prescribed short-term; can cause dependence.
Melatonin-Based Sleep Aids
Common Examples
Rozerem (ramelteon)
How It Works
Activates melatonin receptors to regulate sleep-wake cycle.
Common Uses
Possible Side Effects
Dizziness, Fatigue, Nausea
Non-habit forming; good for sleep onset problems.
Newer Sleep Medications
Common Examples
Belsomra (suvorexant), Dayvigo (lemborexant)
How It Works
Blocks orexin, a neurotransmitter that promotes wakefulness.
Common Uses
Possible Side Effects
Next-day drowsiness, Sleep paralysis, Abnormal dreams
Works differently than older sleep medications.
Tips for Medication Success
Get the most out of your treatment with these best practices.
Take as Prescribed
Follow your provider's instructions exactly. Don't change doses or stop without consulting them first.
Be Patient
Many psychiatric medications take weeks to reach full effectiveness. Give them time to work.
Report Side Effects
Tell your provider about any side effects, even if they seem minor. There may be ways to manage them.
Don't Mix Without Asking
Always inform your provider about all medications, supplements, and substances you use.
Keep Follow-up Appointments
Regular check-ins help your provider monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Never Share Medications
Psychiatric medications are prescribed specifically for you based on your unique needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about psychiatric medications and treatment.
Have More Questions?
Your provider is your best resource for medication questions specific to your treatment.
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