Commonly prescribed psychotropic medications

Psychotropic is a fancy word for medications that are prescribed for psychiatric disorders or illnesses, such as Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and Schizophrenia. Below is a list of common psychotropic meds, both old and new, and what they are used for. In most cases, both the brand name and the generic name are listed, with the brand name first.  This is not an all-inclusive list, and some medications are prescribed more commonly than others.  Some are available in generic form, some not.

If you watch television and frequently see commercials for new medications, you know that there are always more meds being introduced and a wider variety of options being offered to consumers.  Because everyone's body chemistry reacts differently, different medications will work for different people.  Sometimes it may take a miss or two before you hit on the medication that resolves your symptoms and has the effect you are seeking.  Be patient, take your medication consistently, and allow it time to take effect (which may take upwards of a week or two with some medications).  Don't give up if your medication doesn't work the way you hoped.  Talk with your doctor to determine if a different medication might work better. 

Once you find a medication that works, don't stop taking it once you feel better.  Your symptoms will return, and you may even feel worse.  Your doctor will tell you when and if it is safe to discontinue your medication.  Don't let yourself run out of medication.  It's a good idea to arrange for a refill two weeks before you run out.  It can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous to stop many medications cold turkey if you run out. Never take another person's medicine, even if it's the same medication you take.  The dosages may be different, or the medication may have expired.  And what works for a friend may not work for you, and may even make you sick.  Only take the medicine your doctor prescribes for you to take.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your medication.  Are you clear about when and how much medicine to take?  Do you take it before or after you eat?  Does it interact with any other medications?  Will it make you more sensitive to the sun?  These are important details to know, so make sure you ask if you're unclear. For more information about these medications, drug interactions and side effects, visit www.drugwatch.com.

Most of all, remember that there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking 

medication.  We take medications for other physical illnesses--mental illnesses are no different. It is not a weakness, and it does not mean that you are "crazy," or any of the other negative labels sometimes attached to mental health problems. Many disorders, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, require that people take the medication for the rest of their life.  This is no different than having to take diabetes or heart medicines.  If it helps you feel good and enables you to live a fulfilling and productive life, your medication is worth it!

Benzodiazepines--These medications may be addictive and should be taken only as prescribed and under a doctor's close supervision.  

     Ativan--Lorazepam

     Klonopin--Clonazepam

     Valium--Diazepam

     Xanax--Alprazolam

     Restoril--Temazepam

     Librium--Chlordiazepoxide

     Halcion--Triazolam

     Dalmane--Flurazepam

     Serax--Oxazepam

     Tranxene--Clorazepate

Beta Blockers--These medications are primarily used for performance anxiety.

     Tenormin--Atenolol

     Lopressor--Metoprolol

     Corgard--Nadolol

     Inderal--Propranolol

     Visken--Pindolol

     Blocadren--Timolol

Other

     Buspar--Buspirone

Tricyclic Antidepressants--These medications may require periodic blood tests to monitor the level of the medication in the body.

     Elavil--Amitriptyline

     Asendin--Amoxapine

     Anafranil--Clomipramine (also approved for OCD)

     Norpramin--Desipramine

     Adapin, Sinequan--Doxepin

     Tofranil--Imipramine

     Pamelor, Aventyl--Nortiptyline

     Vivactil--Protriptyline

MAO Inhibitors--These medications may have dangerous reactions with other medications as well as certain foods and beverages.

     Marplan--Isocarboxazid

     Nardil--Phenelzine

     Parnate--Tranylcypromine

     Emsam patch--Selegiline

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

     Prozac--Fluoxetine (also approved for OCD)

     Paxil--Paroxetine

     Zoloft--Sertraline

     Luvox--Fluvoxamine (also approved for OCD)

     Celexa--Citalopram

     Lexapro--Escitalopram

Other

     Wellbutrin--Bupropion

     Remeron--Mirtazapine

     Serzone--Nefazodone

     Desyrel--Trazodone (also used as a sleep aid)

     Effexor--Venlafaxine

     Cymbalta--Duloxetine

     Pristiq--Desvenlafaxine

     Symbyax--Olanzapine & Fluoxetine (used as a bipolar antidepressant)

These medications may be used to treat Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder.

 Atypical Antipsychotics   

     Abilify--Aripiprazole

     Zyprexa--Olanzapine

     Invega--Paliperidone

     Geodon--Ziprasidone

     Seroquel--Quetiapine

     Clozaril--Clozapine

     Risperdal--Risperidone

Typical Antipsychotics (Neuroleptics)

     Thorazine--Chlorpromazine

     Serentil--Mesoridazine

     Prolixin--Fluphenazine

     Navane--Thiothixene

     Haldol--Haloperidol

     Mellaril--Thioridazine

     Stelazine--Trifluoperazine

     Trilafon--Perphenazine

     Loxitane--Loxapine

     Moban--Molindone

These medications are prescribed to treat the side effects that may develop from taking some antipsychotic medications.  They are also used to treat Parkinson's Disease.

     Artane--Trihexyphenidyl

     Cogentin--Benztropine

     Kemadrin--Procyclidine

     Benadryl--Diphenhydramine

     Symmetrel--Amantadine

Many of these medications are actually anti-convulsants used to prevent seizures, but have the effect of stabilizing mood in people with Bipolar Disorder.

     Lithobid, Eskalith--Lithium Carbonate

     Depakene--Valproic Acid

     Depakote--Divalproex sodium

     Tegretol--Carbamazepine

     Trileptal--Excarbazepine

     Lamictal--Lamotrigine 

     Neurontin--Gabapentin

     Topamax--Topiramate

     Lunesta--Eszopiclone

     Ambien--Zolpidem

     Rozerem--Ramelteon

     Adderall--Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine

     Dexedrine--Dextroamphetamine

     Ritalin, Concerta--Methylphenidate

     Cylert--Pemoline

     Tenex--Guanfacine (This is a non-stimulant medication.)

     Strattera--Atomoxetine (This is a non-stimulant medication.)

     Catapress--Clonidine (Used as an adjunct to stimulant meds and helps with

          sleep)

     Antabuse--Disulfiram

     ReVia, Depade--Naltrexone

     Campral--Acamprosate

     Namenda--Memantine

     Aricept--Donepezil