Depressive Disorders Medications
SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
*Prozac (Fluoxetine)
* Celexa (Citalopram)
* Zoloft (Sertraline)
* Lexapro (Escitalopram)
* Paxil (Paroxetine)
* Luvox (Fluvoxamine)
NDRI (Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors)
- Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
○ Other brand name Bupropion medications include Zyban and Aplenzin
○ All three can also be used as a smoking cessation aid.
Notes about SSRIs
*SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and tend to have fewer side
effects.
*SSRIs typically take 2-4 weeks before the effect can be felt.
Possible Side Effects of SSRIs
Nausea and gastrointestinal issues, headache,
insomnia, nervousness/agitation, decrease in sexual desire, fatigue, dry mouth, changes in
appetite, or weight gain. SSRIs may increase the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior in
children, adolescents, and adults younger than 25 years.
Anxiety Disorder Medications
● Valium (Diazepam)
● Xanax (Alprazolam)
● Ativan (Lorazepam)
● Klonopin (Clonazepam)
Notes about Anxiety medications
*Each of the anti-anxiety medications listed above belong to a class of drugs known as
Benzodiazepines.
*Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed class of drugs to treat
anxiety disorders.
*Benzodiazepines should not be taken with alcohol; mixing these increases the
effect of both and can worsen the other’s side effects.
Possible Side effects of Anxiety Medications
Drowsiness, muscle weakness, slurred speech, light-headedness, unsteadiness or motor incoordination, or memory issues.
Mood Disorder Medications
● Lithium
● Depakote (Divalproex Sodium)
● Lamictal (Lamotrigine)
● Abilify (Aripiprazole)
Notes for Mood Disorder Medications
Abilify is an add-on treatment to be used in conjunction with another medication for Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or Schizophrenia, when the other drug alone is not enough.
Possible Side Effects of Mood Disorder Medications
Headaches, tremors, nausea or diarrhea, feelings of irritability or
agitation, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness or dizziness, or weight gain. Stevens-Johnson
syndrome is a rare, but potentially serious side effect of Lamotrigine. It causes flu-like
symptoms, followed by a red or purple rash that spreads and forms blisters. If a rash forms
when taking Lamotrigine, the client should contact their doctor immediately.
ADHD Medications
● Ritalin/Concerta (Methylphenidate)
● Adderall (Amphetamine)
● Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine)
Possible Side Effects of ADHD Medications
Loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach ache, headache, trouble
sleeping, jitteriness, irritability, or increased heart rate or blood pressure.
Schizophrenia Medications
● Haldol (Haloperidol)
● Thorazine (Chlorpromazine)
● Seroquel (Quitiapine)
● Risperdal (Risperidone)
● Zyprexa (Olanzapine)
● Clozaril (Clozapine)
Possible Side Effects of Schizophrenia Medications
*Tardive Dyskinesia is a possible side effect of long-term use of antipsychotic medications to treat Schizophrenia. Tardive Dyskinesia causes involuntary movements of the tongue and lips, face, trunk, and extremities.
*There are a number of treatment options for this side effect, including two FDA approved drugs, Ingrezza (Valbenazine) and
Zenazine (Tetrabenazine) as well as Anticholinergics, or muscle relaxers.
