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Medication Support & Safety

Psychiatric Medications

There are many treatment options that can support mental health, and for some people, medication can be one meaningful part of recovery. This page is intended as a gentle, educational guide to help you better understand common medication categories, important questions to ask, and trusted places to learn more.

Medication decisions are personal. What helps one person may not be the right fit for another, and sometimes it takes time to find the medication, dose, or combination that feels most supportive.

Questions to Ask About a Medication

What is the medication (brand/generic), and what dose am I starting at?
How and when should I take it? What if I miss a dose?
How long before I might notice benefits?
What side effects are common, and which require a call?
Could it affect sleep, appetite, energy, or focus?
Are there any medications, supplements, substances, or foods I should avoid?
How will we know it’s working, and how long might I stay on it?
Does this medication have any risk of dependence, withdrawal, or misuse?

Important Safety Notes

Taking medication as prescribed and keeping your prescriber informed about side effects, missed doses, pregnancy plans, alcohol or substance use, and any supplements you take can make treatment safer and more effective.

Please do not stop, reduce, or skip psychiatric medication on your own. Some medications need to be tapered carefully, and stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms or make symptoms return more strongly.

If something feels off, reach out to your prescriber or pharmacist rather than trying to troubleshoot alone.

Antidepressants

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Lexapro (Escitalopram)
Paxil (Paroxetine)
Zoloft (Sertraline)
Prozac (Fluoxetine)
Celexa (Citalopram)

Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Effexor (Venlafaxine)
Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine)
Fetzima (Levomilnacipran)

Atypical Antidepressants

Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
Auvelity (Dextromethorphan / Bupropion)
Viibryd (Vilazodone)
Trintellix (Vortioxetine)
Exxua (Gepirone ER)

Treatment-Resistant Depression

If depression hasn’t improved enough with standard treatments, a prescriber may talk with you about additional options to help find what fits best.

Mood Stabilizers

Mood stabilizers are often used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and may also be used in other situations depending on symptoms and clinical history.

Some medications often grouped as antipsychotics are also used in mood disorders. For example, Seroquel (Quetiapine) and Vraylar (Cariprazine) may be used in bipolar disorder, depending on symptoms and individual response.

Lithobid, Eskalith (Lithium Carbonate)
Depakote, Depakene (Divalproex Sodium / Valproic Acid)
Lamictal (Lamotrigine)
Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine)
Tegretol (Carbamazepine)

Anxiety Medications

Anxiety medications may help reduce symptoms like excessive worry, panic, or physical tension, and may be used short-term or more regularly depending on individual needs and response.

Benzodiazepines

Xanax (Alprazolam)
Ativan (Lorazepam)
Klonopin (Clonazepam)
Valium (Diazepam)

Lower Misuse Potential / Not Controlled Substances

BuSpar (Buspirone)
Vistaril (Hydroxyzine)

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotic medications are commonly used in the treatment of schizophrenia and mania, and may also be used in bipolar disorder or as part of other treatment depending on the diagnosis and symptoms.

Atypical Antipsychotics

Abilify (Aripiprazole)
Vraylar (Cariprazine)
Rexulti (Brexpiprazole)
Caplyta (Lumateperone)
Clozaril (Clozapine)
Geodon (Ziprasidone)
Risperdal (Risperidone)
Seroquel (Quetiapine)
Zyprexa (Olanzapine)
Cobenfy (Xanomeline)

ADHD Medications

ADHD medications are typically grouped into stimulants and non-stimulants, depending on a person’s needs and response.

Stimulants

Adderall (Amphetamine / Dextroamphetamine)
Ritalin (Methylphenidate IR)
Concerta (Methylphenidate ER)
Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine)
Focalin / Focalin XR (Dexmethylphenidate)
Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)

Non-Stimulants

Strattera (Atomoxetine)
Intuniv (Guanfacine)
Kapvay (Clonidine)

Drug Information & Interaction Checkers

For more in-depth information on side effects, interactions, precautions, or how a drug is commonly used, these are good places to start:

Drugs.com Drug Information MedlinePlus Drug Information NAMI Mental Health Medications

A pharmacist can also help review interactions between prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, and other substances.

Herbal Supplements & Natural Supports

Herbal products and supplements can be powerful, supportive tools in the healing process, but they can also have side effects and may interact with prescription medication.
Even natural remedies deserve thoughtful, informed use – so it’s important to approach them with care as part of your recovery.

Please talk with a prescriber or pharmacist before adding any supplement — especially if you take antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medication, stimulants, or sleep medications.

Use extra caution with:

St. John’s wort, 5-HTP, SAMe, kava, and ashwagandha, because interaction and safety concerns may be significant for some people.

Short-term supports people sometimes ask about:

Melatonin, valerian, chamomile, lavender, and NAC. Even these should still be reviewed with a clinician or pharmacist first.

Ashwagandha St. John’s Wort Kava Melatonin Valerian Chamomile Lavender Herb–Drug Interactions NCCIH Topics A–Z

You do not have to figure this out alone. A pharmacist can be one of the best people to ask about interactions between prescriptions, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

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