Medications Commonly Used To Treat Mental IllnessJust as someone who has diabetes may take insulin to stabilize their blood sugar, someone with a mental illness may take medicine to stabilize the chemicals in their brain and bloodstream. It is important to remember that these medications, like all medications, may be helpful to one person, but harmful to another. That is why it is important to see a doctor before starting any medication, to only take medication prescribed specifically for you, and to follow all directions for taking that medication. Almost all medications take some time to work. Medications alone are useful in some instances but often should be used in conjunction with good treatment and appropriate educational programs. Below is a list of some commonly prescribed medications for mental illnesses. These drugs treat different symptoms of an illness, such as depression or nervousness. Some people may need only one drug to address most of their symptoms, while other people may need to take a combination of drugs. Deciding what drug(s) to take, what amount to take, and how often and how long to take that drug must be done with a physician. However, knowing more about the variety of drugs available to treat mental illness will help you understand the disease - whether for you or a friend or a family member. Antidepressants These are one of the most commonly prescribed groups of drugs for mental illness. They not only reduce depression in people who are experience long-term or major depressive episodes, they also help prevent future episodes. These medications are most often used to treat people who have been diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder (manic-depression). But they may also be prescribed to people who suffer from other mental illnesses, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder, as these illnesses may be accompanied by depression. Below are the brand names of some commonly prescribed antidepressants:
Anti-Anxiety Agents (also known as tranquilizers): These medications reduce anxiety, worry, nervousness and panic, including physical symptoms of anxiety such as dizziness, rapid breathing, nausea, and sweating. Unfortunately, these medications are physically addictive, which is why they are prescribed only for people diagnosed with extreme cases of anxiety. They are most often prescribed to people diagnosed with depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and various personality disorders. Below are the brand names of some commonly prescribed anti-anxiety agents:
Antipsychotics (also known as major tranquilizers): These medications reduce psychotic symptoms (such as hearing voices or delusional thinking) and reduce agitation. Some kinds may also act like mood stabilizers (see description of mood stabilizers below). They are most often prescribed for people suffering from schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and depression. Below are the brand names of some commonly prescribed antipsychotics:
Mood Stabilizers These medications help stabilize emotions in people who suffer from extreme highs (such as 'manic' episodes) and lows (such as clinical depression). They are most often prescribed to people who suffer from bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and various personality disorders. Below are the brand names of some commonly prescribed mood stabilizers:
Psychostimulants (often prescribed for ADHD) These medications help people pay attention and control extreme impulsive behavior (such as uncontrollable talking or fidgeting). Although they are 'stimulants', this group of drugs helps people with mental illnesses gain control by increasing activity in the part of the brain that exercises control. They are most often prescribed to people who have been diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy (the inability to stay awake.) Below are the brand names of some commonly prescribed psychostimulants:
To learn more about the most common mental illnesses and disorders, please visit the Mental Health Association's Recognizing the Symptoms of a Mental Illness page. |
|
Kids: Coping Skills | Take the Quiz | Tell Your Story | Reach Out | Medical FAQ Adults: Teachers | MH Professionals | Families Home | |