Medications
There are a variety of treatment options available to help manage symptoms, and if you choose, medication could be helpful in playing an important role in your recovery.
QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT YOUR PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATIONS:
- What is the name of the medication and is it known by any other name?
- What is the recommended dosage, and how often should I take it?
- When will I start to see improvement?
- What are the side effects that occur with this medication?
- How long will I be taking this medication?
- How helpful will this medication be with my condition?
- How will the decision be made to stop taking the medication?
- Are there any medications or food that I should avoid while taking it?
- Is this medication addictive?
While psychiatric medications can be a part of a viable treatment plan, finding the right one at an appropriate dose is key. Sometimes it is a process of trial and error. Taking medication(s) you have been prescribed reliably – on schedule – and without using any substance that could minimize the benefits is essential.
Note: Remember to NEVER stop any psychiatric medication abruptly! No one should ever attempt to get off any drug without a doctor’s supervision!
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI):
- Lexapro (Escitalopram)
- Paxil (Paroxetine)
- Zoloft (Sertraline)
- Prozac (Fluoxetine)
- Celexa (Citalopram)
Serotonin and Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI):
- Effexor (Venlafaxine)
- Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
- Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine)
- Fetzima (no generic currently available)
Atypical Antidepressants:
- Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
- Auvelity (no generic currently available)
- Viibryd (Vilazodone)
- Trintellix (Vortioxetine)
- Desyrel (Trazodone)
For treatment resistant depression:
MOOD STABILIZERS (Used in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder):
- Lithobid, Eskalith (Lithium Carbonate)
- Depakote, Depakene (Divalproex sodium / Valproic Acid)
- Lamictal (Lamotrigine)
- Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine)
- Tegretol (Carbamazepine)
ANXIOLYTICS
Benzodiazepines:
Non-addictive:
ANTIPSYCHOTICS (Used in the treatment of schizophrenia and mania)
Atypical:
- Abilify (Aripiprazole)
- Vraylar (Cariprazine)
- Rexulti (Brexpiprazole)
- Caplyta (Lumateperone)
- Clozaril (Clozapine)
- Geodon (Ziprasidone)
- Risperdal (Risperidone)
- Seroquel (Quetiapine)
- Zyprexa (Olanzapine)
STIMULANTS (Used in the treatment of ADD/ADHD):
- Adderall (Amphetamine)
- Ritalin (Methylphenidate IR)
- Concerta (Methylphenidate ER)
- Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine)
- Focalin and Focalin XR (Dexmethylphenidate)
- Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)
NON STIMULANTS:
For more in depth information on all possible side effects and interactions, visit this website:
Drug Information – Search by the name of the drug, the condition it treats, the class of the medication, or the company that makes it.
HERBAL MEDICINE
Note: Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking an herbal supplement to avoid any adverse side effects or interactions!
- 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) – for depression, anxiety, and insomnia
- Ashwagandha – for depression
- Asian Ginseng – for anxiety, adhd, and depression
- California Poppy – for anxiety and insomnia
- Chamomile – for anxiety
- Gotu Kola – for anxiety and insomnia
- Hops – for anxiety and insomnia
- Inositol – for depression, panic and obsessive compulsive disorder
- Kava – for anxiety and insomnia
- Lavender – for anxiety, depression, and ptsd
- Lemon Balm/Melissa – for anxiety and insomnia
- N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) – for depression and ocd
- Passionflower – for anxiety and insomnia
- Rhodiola – for depression and anxiety
- SAMe (S-Adenosyl Methionine) – for depression
- Skullcap – for anxiety and insomnia
- St. John’s Wort – for depression, adhd and ocd
- Melatonin – for insomnia
- Valerian – for insomnia, anxiety and depression
For more information, visit this website:
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Topics A-Z