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Mental Health

Medications

National Institute of Mental Health

U.S. Department of HealtH anD HUman ServiceS National Institutes of Health
Contents

Mental Health Medications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

What are psychiatric medications? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

How are medications used to treat mental disorders? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

What medications are used to treat schizophrenia? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

What are the side effects? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

How are antipsychotics taken and how do people respond to them? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

How do antipsychotics interact with other medications? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

What medications are used to treat depression? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

What are the side effects? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

How should antidepressants be taken? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Are herbal medicines used to treat depression? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

FDA warning on antidepressants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

What medications are used to treat bipolar disorder? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Mood stabilizers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Atypical antipsychotics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Antidepressants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

What are the side effects? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

How should medications for bipolar disorder be taken? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

What medications are used to treat anxiety disorders? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Antidepressants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Beta-blockers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

What are the side effects? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

How should medications for anxiety disorders be taken? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

What medications are used to treat ADHD? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

What are the side effects? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

How are ADHD medications taken? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Are ADHD medications safe? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

FDA warning on possible rare side effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Which groups have special needs when taking psychiatric medications? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Children and adolescents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Older adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

What should I ask my doctor if I am prescribed a psychiatric medication? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Alphabetical List of Medications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Citations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

For More Information on Medications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Mental Health Medications 1

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Mental Health Medications

Medications are used to treat the 

symptoms of mental disorders such 

as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar 

disorder (sometimes called manic-depressive 

illness), anxiety disorders, and attention deficithyperactivity disorder (ADHD) . Sometimes 

medications are used with other treatments such as 

psychotherapy . This guide describes:

Types of medications used to treat mental 

disorders

Side effects of medications

Directions for taking medications

Warnings about medications from the U .S . 

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) .

This booklet does not provide information about 

diagnosing mental disorders . Choosing the right 

medication, medication dose, and treatment plan 

should be based on a person’s individual needs and 

medical situation, and under a doctor’s care .

Information about medications is frequently updated . 

Check the FDA Web site (http://www .fda .gov) 

for the latest information on warnings, patient 

medication guides, or newly approved medications . 

Throughout this document you will see two 

names for medications —the generic name and 

in parenthesis, the trade name . An example is 

fluoxetine (Prozac) . See the end of this document 

for a complete alphabetical listing of medications . 

What are psychiatric 

medications?

Psychiatric medications treat mental disorders . 

Sometimes called psychotropic or psychotherapeutic medications, they have changed the lives of 

people with mental disorders for the better . Many 

people with mental disorders live fulfilling lives 

with the help of these medications . Without them, 

people with mental disorders might suffer serious 

and disabling symptoms .

How are medications used to 

treat mental disorders?

Medications treat the symptoms of mental 

disorders . They cannot cure the disorder, but they 

make people feel better so they can function . 

Medications work differently for different people . 

Some people get great results from medications 

and only need them for a short time . For example, 

a person with depression may feel much better 

after taking a medication for a few months, and 

may never need it again . People with disorders like 

schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or people who 

have long-term or severe depression or anxiety may 

need to take medication for a much longer time . 

Some people get side effects from medications 

and other people don’t . Doses can be small or 

large, depending on the medication and the person . 

Factors that can affect how medications work in 

people include:

Type of mental disorder, such as depression, 

anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia

Age, sex, and body size

Physical illnesses

Habits like smoking and drinking

Liver and kidney function

Genetics

Other medications and herbal/vitamin 

supplements

Diet

Whether medications are taken as prescribed .
2 National Institute of Mental Health

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What medications are used to treat schizophrenia? 

Antipsychotic medications are used to treat 

schizophrenia and schizophrenia-related 

disorders . Some of these medications have 

been available since the mid-1950’s . They are also 

called conventional “typical” antipsychotics . Some 

of the more commonly used medications include:

Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) 

Haloperidol (Haldol)

Perphenazine (generic only)

Fluphenazine (generic only) . 

In the 1990’s, new antipsychotic medications 

were developed . These new medications are called 

second generation, or “atypical” antipsychotics . 

One of these medications was clozapine (Clozaril) . 

It is a very effective medication that treats 

psychotic symptoms, hallucinations, and breaks 

with reality, such as when a person believes he or 

she is the president . But clozapine can sometimes 

cause a serious problem called agranulocytosis, 

which is a loss of the white blood cells that help a 

person fight infection . Therefore, people who take 

clozapine must get their white blood cell counts 

checked every week or two . This problem and the 

cost of blood tests make treatment with clozapine 

difficult for many people . Still, clozapine is 

potentially helpful for people who do not respond 

to other antipsychotic medications .

Other atypical antipsychotics were developed . 

All of them are effective, and none cause 

agranulocytosis . These include: 

Risperidone (Risperdal)

Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Quetiapine (Seroquel)

Ziprasidone (Geodon)

Aripiprazole (Abilify)

Paliperidone (Invega) .

The antipsychotics listed here are some of the 

medications used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia . Additional antipsychotics and other 

medications used for schizophrenia are listed in 

the chart at the end .

Note: The FDA issued a Public Health Advisory for atypical 

antipsychotic medications . The FDA determined that death 

rates are higher for elderly people with dementia when 

taking this medication . A review of data has found a risk with 

conventional antipsychotics as well . Antipsychotic medications 

are not FDA-approved for the treatment of behavioral disorders 

in patients with dementia .

What are the side effects? 

Some people have side effects when they start 

taking these medications . Most side effects go 

away after a few days and often can be managed 

successfully . People who are taking antipsychotics 

should not drive until they adjust to their new 

medication . Side effects of many antipsychotics 

include: 

Drowsiness 

Dizziness when changing positions

Blurred vision

Rapid heartbeat

Sensitivity to the sun

Skin rashes

Menstrual problems for women . 

Atypical antipsychotic medications can cause 

major weight gain and changes in a person’s 

metabolism . This may increase a person’s risk of 
Mental Health Medications 3

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getting diabetes and high cholesterol .1 A person’s 

weight, glucose levels, and lipid levels should be 

monitored regularly by a doctor while taking an 

atypical antipsychotic medication . 

Typical antipsychotic medications can cause side 

effects related to physical movement, such as: 

Rigidity 

Persistent muscle spasms

Tremors

Restlessness .

Long-term use of typical antipsychotic medications 

may lead to a condition called tardive dyskinesia 

(TD) . TD causes muscle movements a person can’t 

control . The movements commonly happen around 

the mouth . TD can range from mild to severe, 

and in some people the problem cannot be cured . 

Sometimes people with TD recover partially or 

fully after they stop taking the medication . 

Every year, an estimated 5 percent of people taking 

typical antipsychotics get TD . The condition 

happens to fewer people who take the new, atypical 

antipsychotics, but some people may still get TD . 

People who think that they might have TD should 

check with their doctor before stopping their 

medication .

How are antipsychotics taken and 

how do people respond to them? 

Antipsychotics are usually pills that people swallow, 

or liquid they can drink . Some antipsychotics are 

shots that are given once or twice a month . 

Symptoms of schizophrenia, such as feeling 

agitated and having hallucinations, usually go away 

within days . Symptoms like delusions usually go 

away within a few weeks . After about six weeks, 

many people will see a lot of improvement . 

However, people respond in different ways to 

antipsychotic medications, and no one can tell 

beforehand how a person will respond . Sometimes 

a person needs to try several medications before 

finding the right one . Doctors and patients can 

work together to find the best medication or 

medication combination, and dose . 

Some people may have a relapse—their symptoms 

come back or get worse . Usually, relapses happen 

when people stop taking their medication, or when 

they only take it sometimes . Some people stop 

taking the medication because they feel better or 

they may feel they don’t need it anymore . But 

no one should stop taking an antipsychotic 

medication without talking to his or her doctor.

When a doctor says it is okay to stop taking a 

medication, it should be gradually tapered off, 

never stopped suddenly . 

How do antipsychotics interact with 

other medications? 

Antipsychotics can produce unpleasant or dangerous 

side effects when taken with certain medications . 

For this reason, all doctors treating a patient need 

to be aware of all the medications that person is 

taking . Doctors need to know about prescription and 

over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, minerals, and 

herbal supplements . People also need to discuss any 

alcohol or other drug use with their doctor .

To find out more about how antipsychotics work, 

the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 

funded a study called CATIE (Clinical Antipsychotic 

Trials of Intervention Effectiveness) . This study 

compared the effectiveness and side effects of 

five antipsychotics used to treat people with 

schizophrenia . In general, the study found that the 

older medication perphenazine worked as well as 

the newer, atypical medications . But because people 

respond differently to different medications, it is 

important that treatments be designed carefully 

for each person . You can find more information on 

CATIE here . 
4 National Institute of Mental Health

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What medications are used to treat depression?

Depression is commonly treated 

with antidepressant medications . 

Antidepressants work to balance some 

of the natural chemicals in our brains . These 

chemicals are called neurotransmitters, and 

they affect our mood and emotional responses . 

Antidepressants work on neurotransmitters such as 

serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine . 

The most popular types of antidepressants are 

called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors 

(SSRIs) . These include: 

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Citalopram (Celexa)

Sertraline (Zoloft)

Paroxetine (Paxil)

Escitalopram (Lexapro) .

Other types of antidepressants are serotonin and 

norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) . SNRIs 

are similar to SSRIs and include venlafaxine 

(Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) . Another 

antidepressant that is commonly used is bupropion 

(Wellbutrin) . Bupropion, which works on the 

neurotransmitter dopamine, is unique in that it does 

not fit into any specific drug type .

SSRIs and SNRIs are popular because they do 

not cause as many side effects as older classes of 

antidepressants . Older antidepressant medications 

include tricyclics, tetracyclics, and monoamine 

oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) . For some people, 

tricyclics, tetracyclics, or MAOIs may be the best 

medications .

What are the side effects? 

Antidepressants may cause mild side effects that 

usually do not last long . Any unusual reactions 

or side effects should be reported to a doctor 

immediately.

The most common side effects associated with 

SSRIs and SNRIs include:

Headache, which usually goes away within a 

few days .

Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), which 

usually goes away within a few days .

Sleeplessness or drowsiness, which may 

happen during the first few weeks but then 

goes away . Sometimes the medication dose 

needs to be reduced or the time of day it is 

taken needs to be adjusted to help lessen 

these side effects .

Agitation (feeling jittery) .

Sexual problems, which can affect both men 

and women and may include reduced sex 

drive, and problems having and enjoying sex . 

Tricyclic antidepressants can cause side effects, 

including:

Dry mouth .

Constipation .

Bladder problems . It may be hard to empty 

the bladder, or the urine stream may not be 

as strong as usual . Older men with enlarged 

prostate conditions may be more affected . 

Sexual problems, which can affect both men 

and women and may include reduced sex 

drive, and problems having and enjoying sex . 
Mental Health Medications 5

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Blurred vision, which usually goes away 

quickly . 

Drowsiness . Usually, antidepressants that 

make you drowsy are taken at bedtime .

People taking MAOIs need to be careful about 

the foods they eat and the medicines they take . 

Foods and medicines that contain high levels of a 

chemical called tyramine are dangerous for people 

taking MAOIs . Tyramine is found in some cheeses, 

wines, and pickles . The chemical is also in some 

medications, including decongestants and over-thecounter cold medicine . 

Mixing MAOIs and tyramine can cause a sharp 

increase in blood pressure, which can lead to 

stroke . People taking MAOIs should ask their 

doctors for a complete list of foods, medicines, and 

other substances to avoid . An MAOI skin patch has 

recently been developed and may help reduce some 

of these risks . A doctor can help a person figure out 

if a patch or a pill will work for him or her .

How should antidepressants be 

taken? 

People taking antidepressants need to follow their 

doctors’ directions . The medication should be taken 

in the right dose for the right amount of time . It can 

take three or four weeks until the medicine takes 

effect . Some people take the medications for a short 

time, and some people take them for much longer 

periods . People with long-term or severe depression 

may need to take medication for a long time .

Once a person is taking antidepressants, it is 

important not to stop taking them without the 

help of a doctor . Sometimes people taking 

antidepressants feel better and stop taking the 

medication too soon, and the depression may 

return . When it is time to stop the medication, 

the doctor will help the person slowly and safely 

decrease the dose . It’s important to give the body 

time to adjust to the change . People don’t get 

addicted, or “hooked,” on the medications, but 

stopping them abruptly can cause withdrawal 

symptoms . 

If a medication does not work, it is helpful to 

be open to trying another one . A study funded 

by NIMH found that if a person with difficultto-treat depression did not get better with a first 

medication, chances of getting better increased 

when the person tried a new one or added a second 

medication to his or her treatment . The study was 

called STAR*D (Sequenced Treatment Alternatives 

to Relieve Depression) .

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Are herbal medicines used to treat 

depression? 

The herbal medicine St . John’s wort has been used 

for centuries in many folk and herbal remedies . 

Today in Europe, it is used widely to treat mild-tomoderate depression . In the United States, it is one 

of the top-selling botanical products .

The National Institutes of Health conducted a 

clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of 

treating adults who have major depression with 

St . Johns wort . The study included 340 people 

diagnosed with major depression . One-third of 

the people took the herbal medicine, one-third 

took an SSRI, and one-third took a placebo, or 

“sugar pill .” The people did not know what they 

were taking . The study found that St . John’s wort 

was no more effective than the placebo in treating 

major depression .4

 A study currently in progress is 

looking at the effectiveness of St . John’s wort for 

treating mild or minor depression .

Other research has shown that St . John’s wort 

can dangerously interact with other medications, 

including those used to control HIV . On February 
6 National Institute of Mental Health

10, 2000, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory 

letter stating that the herb appears to interfere with 

certain medications used to treat heart disease, 

depression, seizures, certain cancers, and organ 

transplant rejection . Also, St . Johns wort may 

interfere with oral contraceptives . 

Because St . John’s wort may not mix well with 

other medications, people should always talk 

with their doctors before taking it or any herbal 

supplement . 

FDA warning on antidepressants

Antidepressants are safe and popular, but some 

studies have suggested that they may have 

unintentional effects, especially in young people . 

In 2004, the FDA looked at published and 

unpublished data on trials of antidepressants that 

involved nearly 4,400 children and adolescents . 

They found that 4 percent of those taking 

antidepressants thought about or tried suicide 

(although no suicides occurred), compared to 

2 percent of those receiving placebos (sugar pill) .

In 2005, the FDA decided to adopt a “black box” 

warning label—the most serious type of warning—

on all antidepressant medications . The warning 

says there is an increased risk of suicidal thinking 

or attempts in children and adolescents taking 

antidepressants . In 2007, the FDA proposed that 

makers of all antidepressant medications extend the

warning to include young adults up through age 24 .

The warning also says that patients of all ages 

taking antidepressants should be watched closely, 

especially during the first few weeks of treatment . 

Possible side effects to look for are depression 

that gets worse, suicidal thinking or behavior, 

or any unusual changes in behavior such as 

trouble sleeping, agitation, or withdrawal from 

normal social situations . Families and caregivers 

should report any changes to the doctor . The 

latest information from the FDA can be found 

at http://www .fda .gov .

Results of a comprehensive review of pediatric 

trials conducted between 1988 and 2006 suggested 

that the benefits of antidepressant medications 

likely outweigh their risks to children and 

adolescents with major depression and anxiety 

disorders .5

 The study was funded in part by NIMH .

Finally, the FDA has warned that combining the 

newer SSRI or SNRI antidepressants with one of 

the commonly-used “triptan” medications used 

to treat migraine headaches could cause a lifethreatening illness called “serotonin syndrome .” 

A person with serotonin syndrome may be agitated, 

have hallucinations (see or hear things that are not 

real), have a high temperature, or have unusual 

blood pressure changes . Serotonin syndrome is 

usually associated with the older antidepressants 

called MAOIs, but it can happen with the newer 

antidepressants as well, if they are mixed with the 

wrong medications .
Mental Health Medications 7

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What medications are used to treat bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also called manicdepressive illness, is commonly treated 

with mood stabilizers . Sometimes, 

antipsychotics and antidepressants are used along 

with a mood stabilizer . 

Mood stabilizers

People with bipolar disorder usually try mood 

stabilizers first . In general, people continue 

treatment with mood stabilizers for years . Lithium 

is a very effective mood stabilizer . It was the first 

mood stabilizer approved by the FDA in the 1970’s 

for treating both manic and depressive episodes . 

Anticonvulsant medications also are used as mood 

stabilizers . They were originally developed to 

treat seizures, but they were found to help control 

moods as well . One anticonvulsant commonly 

used as a mood stabilizer is valproic acid, also 

called divalproex sodium (Depakote) . For some 

people, it may work better than lithium .6

 Other 

anticonvulsants used as mood stabilizers are 

carbamazepine (Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal) 

and oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) .

Atypical antipsychotics 

Atypical antipsychotic medications are sometimes 

used to treat symptoms of bipolar disorder . 

Often, antipsychotics are used along with other 

medications . 

Antipsychotics used to treat people with bipolar 

disorder include:

Olanzapine (Zyprexa), which helps people 

with severe or psychotic depression, which 

often is accompanied by a break with reality, 

hallucinations, or delusions7

Aripiprazole (Abilify), which can be taken as 

a pill or as a shot

Risperidone (Risperdal)

Ziprasidone (Geodon) 

Clozapine (Clorazil), which is often used 

for people who do not respond to lithium or 

anticonvulsants .8

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat 

symptoms of depression in bipolar disorder . 

Fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), or 

sertraline (Zoloft) are a few that are used . However, 

people with bipolar disorder should not take an 

antidepressant on its own . Doing so can cause the 

person to rapidly switch from depression to mania, 

which can be dangerous .9

 To prevent this problem, 

doctors give patients a mood stabilizer or an 

antipsychotic along with an antidepressant . 

Research on whether antidepressants help people 

with bipolar depression is mixed . An NIMHfunded study found that antidepressants were 

no more effective than a placebo to help treat 

depression in people with bipolar disorder . The 

people were taking mood stabilizers along with 
8 National Institute of Mental Health 

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the antidepressants. You can find out more about 

this study, called STEP-BD (Systematic Treatment 

Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder), 

here.

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What are the side effects? 

Treatments for bipolar disorder have improved over 

the last 10 years. But everyone responds differently 

to medications. If you have any side effects, tell 

your doctor right away. He or she may change the 

dose or prescribe a different medication. 

Different medications for treating bipolar disorder 

may cause different side effects. Some medications 

used for treating bipolar disorder have been 

linked to unique and serious symptoms, which are 

described below. 

Lithium can cause several side effects, and some of 

them may become serious. They include: 

Loss of coordination 

Excessive thirst 

Frequent urination 

Blackouts 

Seizures 

Slurred speech 

Fast, slow, irregular, or pounding heartbeat 

Hallucinations (seeing things or hearing 

voices that do not exist) 

Changes in vision 

Itching, rash 

Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, 

throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs. 

If a person with bipolar disorder is being treated 

with lithium, he or she should visit the doctor 

regularly to check the levels of lithium in the blood, 

and make sure the kidneys and the thyroid are 

working normally. 

Some possible side effects linked with valproic 

acid/divalproex sodium include: 

Changes in weight 

Nausea 

Stomach pain 

Vomiting 

Anorexia 

Loss of appetite. 

Valproic acid may cause damage to the liver or 

pancreas, so people taking it should see their 

doctors regularly. 

Valproic acid may affect young girls and women 

in unique ways. Sometimes, valproic acid may 

increase testosterone (a male hormone) levels 

in teenage girls and lead to a condition called 

polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).11,12 PCOS 

is a disease that can affect fertility and make the 

menstrual cycle become irregular, but symptoms 

tend to go away after valproic acid is stopped.13 

It also may cause birth defects in women who are 

pregnant. 

Lamotrigine can cause a rare but serious skin rash 

that needs to be treated in a hospital. In some cases, 

this rash can cause permanent disability or be lifethreatening. 

In addition, valproic acid, lamotrigine, 

carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine and other 

anticonvulsant medications (listed in the chart at 

the end of this document) have an FDA warning. 

The warning states that their use may increase the 

risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. People 

taking anticonvulsant medications for bipolar or 

other illnesses should be closely monitored for new 

or worsening symptoms of depression, suicidal 

thoughts or behavior, or any unusual changes in 

mood or behavior. People taking these medications 

should not make any changes without talking to 

their health care professional. 
Mental Health Medications 9

Other medications for bipolar disorder may also 

be linked with rare but serious side effects. Always 

talk with the doctor or pharmacist about any 

potential side effects before taking the medication. 

For information on side effects of antipsychotics, 

see the section on medications for treating 

schizophrenia. 

For information on side effects and FDA warnings 

of antidepressants, see the section on medications 

for treating depression. 

How should medications for bipolar 

disorder be taken? 

Medications should be taken as directed by a 

doctor. Sometimes a person’s treatment plan needs 

to be changed. When changes in medicine are 

needed, the doctor will guide the change. A person 

should never stop taking a medication without 

asking a doctor for help. 

There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but treatment 

works for many people. Treatment works best when 

it is continuous, rather than on and off. However, 

mood changes can happen even when there are no 

breaks in treatment. Patients should be open with 

their doctors about treatment. Talking about how 

treatment is working can help it be more effective. 

It may be helpful for people or their family 

members to keep a daily chart of mood symptoms, 

treatments, sleep patterns, and life events. This 

chart can help patients and doctors track the illness. 

Doctors can use the chart to treat the illness most 

effectively. 

Because medications for bipolar disorder can have 

serious side effects, it is important for anyone 

taking them to see the doctor regularly to check for 

possibly dangerous changes in the body. 
10 National Institute of Mental Health 

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What medications are used to treat anxiety disorders? 

Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, 

and beta-blockers are the most common 

medications used for anxiety disorders. 

Anxiety disorders include: 

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) 

Panic disorder 

Social phobia. 

Antidepressants 

Antidepressants were developed to treat depression, 

but they also help people with anxiety disorders. 

SSRIs such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline 

(Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine 

(Paxil), and citalopram (Celexa) are commonly 

prescribed for panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, and 

social phobia. The SNRI venlafaxine (Effexor) is 

commonly used to treat GAD. The antidepressant 

bupropion (Wellbutrin) is also sometimes used. 

When treating anxiety disorders, antidepressants 

generally are started at low doses and increased 

over time. 

Some tricyclic antidepressants work well for 

anxiety. For example, imipramine (Tofranil) 

is prescribed for panic disorder and GAD. 

Clomipramine (Anafranil) is used to treat OCD. 

Tricyclics are also started at low doses and 

increased over time. 

MAOIs are also used for anxiety disorders. 

Doctors sometimes prescribe phenelzine (Nardil), 

tranylcypromine (Parnate), and isocarboxazid 

(Marplan). People who take MAOIs must avoid 

certain food and medicines that can interact with 

their medicine and cause dangerous increases in 

blood pressure. For more information, see the 

section on medications used to treat depression. 

Benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety 

medications) 

The anti-anxiety medications called 

benzodiazepines can start working more quickly 

than antidepressants. The ones used to treat anxiety 

disorders include: 

Clonazepam (Klonopin), which is used for 

social phobia and GAD 

Lorazepam (Ativan), which is used for panic 

disorder 

Alprazolam (Xanax), which is used for panic 

disorder and GAD. 

Buspirone (Buspar) is an anti-anxiety medication 

used to treat GAD. Unlike benzodiazepines, 

however, it takes at least two weeks for buspirone 

to begin working. 

Clonazepam, listed above, is an anticonvulsant 

medication. See FDA warning on anticonvulsants 

under the bipolar disorder section. 
 

 

 

Mental Health Medications 11

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Beta-blockers 

Beta-blockers control some of the physical 

symptoms of anxiety, such as trembling and 

sweating. Propranolol (Inderal) is a beta-blocker 

usually used to treat heart conditions and high 

blood pressure. The medicine also helps people 

who have physical problems related to anxiety. For 

example, when a person with social phobia must 

face a stressful situation, such as giving a speech, 

or attending an important meeting, a doctor may 

prescribe a beta-blocker. Taking the medicine for 

a short period of time can help the person keep 

physical symptoms under control. 

What are the side effects? 

See the section on antidepressants for a discussion 

on side effects. 

The most common side effects for benzodiazepines 

are drowsiness and dizziness. Other possible side 

effects include: 

Upset stomach 

Blurred vision 

Headache 

Confusion 

Grogginess 

Nightmares. 

Possible side effects from buspirone (BuSpar) 

include: 

Dizziness 

Headaches 

Nausea 

Nervousness 

Lightheadedness 

Excitement 

Trouble sleeping. 

Common side effects from beta-blockers include: 

Fatigue 

Cold hands 

Dizziness 

Weakness. 

In addition, beta-blockers generally are not 

recommended for people with asthma or diabetes 

because they may worsen symptoms. 

How should medications for anxiety 

disorders be taken? 

People can build a tolerance to benzodiazepines if 

they are taken over a long period of time and may 

need higher and higher doses to get the same effect. 

Some people may become dependent on them. To 

avoid these problems, doctors usually prescribe 

the medication for short periods, a practice that is 

especially helpful for people who have substance 

abuse problems or who become dependent on 

medication easily. If people suddenly stop taking 

benzodiazepines, they may get withdrawal 

symptoms, or their anxiety may return. Therefore, 

they should be tapered off slowly. 

Buspirone and beta-blockers are similar. They 

are usually taken on a short-term basis for 

anxiety. Both should be tapered off slowly. Talk 

to the doctor before stopping any anti-anxiety 

medication. 
12 National Institute of Mental Health

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What medications are used to treat ADHD?

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder 

(ADHD) occurs in both children and 

adults . ADHD is commonly treated with 

stimulants, such as: 

Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Metadate, 

Concerta, Daytrana)

Amphetamine (Adderall)

Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat) .

In 2002, the FDA approved the nonstimulant 

medication atomoxetine (Strattera) for use as a 

treatment for ADHD . In February 2007, the FDA 

approved the use of the stimulant lisdexamfetamine 

dimesylate (Vyvanse) for the treatment of ADHD 

in children ages 6 to 12 years .

What are the side effects? 

Most side effects are minor and disappear when 

dosage levels are lowered . The most common side 

effects include:

Decreased appetite . Children seem to be less 

hungry during the middle of the day, but 

they are often hungry by dinnertime as the 

medication wears off . 

Sleep problems . If a child cannot fall asleep, 

the doctor may prescribe a lower dose . The 

doctor might also suggest that parents give 

the medication to their child earlier in the 

day, or stop the afternoon or evening dose . 

To help ease sleeping problems, a doctor 

may add a prescription for a low dose of 

an antidepressant or a medication called 

clonidine .

Stomachaches and headaches .

Less common side effects. A few children 

develop sudden, repetitive movements 

or sounds called tics . These tics may or 

may not be noticeable . Changing the 

medication dosage may make tics go away . 

Some children also may appear to have a 

personality change, such as appearing “flat” 

or without emotion . Talk with your child’s 

doctor if you see any of these side effects . 

How are ADHD medications taken?

Stimulant medications can be short-acting or longacting, and can be taken in different forms such 

as a pill, patch, or powder . Long-acting, sustained 

and extended release forms allow children to take 

the medication just once a day before school . 

Parents and doctors should decide together which 

medication is best for the child and whether the 

child needs medication only for school hours or for 

evenings and weekends too . 

ADHD medications help many children and 

adults who are hyperactive and impulsive . 

They help people focus, work, and learn . 

Stimulant medication also may improve physical 

coordination . However, different people respond 

differently to medications, so children taking 

ADHD medications should be watched closely .

Are ADHD medications safe?

Stimulant medications are safe when given under 

a doctor’s supervision . Some children taking them 

may feel slightly different or “funny .”
Mental Health Medications 13

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Some parents worry that stimulant medications 

may lead to drug abuse or dependence, but there is 

little evidence of this . Research shows that teens 

with ADHD who took stimulant medications were 

less likely to abuse drugs than those who did not 

take stimulant medications .14

FDA warning on possible rare side 

effects

In 2007, the FDA required that all makers of 

ADHD medications develop Patient Medication 

Guides . The guides must alert patients to 

possible heart and psychiatric problems related to 

ADHD medicine . The FDA required the Patient 

Medication Guides because a review of data found 

that ADHD patients with heart conditions had a 

slightly higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, and 

sudden death when taking the medications . The 

review also found a slightly higher risk (about 1 in 

1,000) for medication-related psychiatric problems, 

such as hearing voices, having hallucinations, 

becoming suspicious for no reason, or becoming 

manic . This happened to patients who had no 

history of psychiatric problems . 

The FDA recommends that any treatment plan for 

ADHD include an initial health and family history 

examination . This exam should look for existing 

heart and psychiatric problems . 

The non-stimulant ADHD medication called 

atomoxetine (Strattera) carries another warning . 

Studies show that children and teenagers with 

ADHD who take atomoxetine are more likely to 

have suicidal thoughts than children and teenagers 

with ADHD who do not take atomoxetine . If 

your child is taking atomoxetine, watch his or her 

behavior carefully . A child may develop serious 

symptoms suddenly, so it is important to pay 

attention to your child’s behavior every day . Ask 

other people who spend a lot of time with your 

child, such as brothers, sisters, and teachers, to tell 

you if they notice changes in your child’s behavior . 

Call a doctor right away if your child shows any of 

the following symptoms: 

Acting more subdued or withdrawn than usual

Feeling helpless, hopeless, or worthless

New or worsening depression

Thinking or talking about hurting himself or 

herself

Extreme worry

Agitation

Panic attacks

Trouble sleeping

Irritability

Aggressive or violent behavior

Acting without thinking

Extreme increase in activity or talking

Frenzied, abnormal excitement

Any sudden or unusual changes in behavior .

While taking atomoxetine, your child should 

see a doctor often, especially at the beginning 

of treatment . Be sure that your child keeps all 

appointments with his or her doctor . 
14 National Institute of Mental Health

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Which groups have special needs when taking 

psychiatric medications?

Psychiatric medications are taken by all types 

of people, but some groups have special 

needs, including: 

Children and adolescents

Older adults

Women who are pregnant or may become 

pregnant . 

Children and adolescents 

Most medications used to treat young people with 

mental illness are safe and effective . However, 

many medications have not been studied or 

approved for use with children . Researchers are 

not sure how these medications affect a child’s 

growing body . Still, a doctor can give a young 

person an FDA-approved medication on an “offlabel” basis . This means that the doctor prescribes 

the medication to help the patient even though the 

medicine is not approved for the specific mental 

disorder or age . 

For these reasons, it is important to watch young 

people who take these medications . Young people 

may have different reactions and side effects 

than adults . Also, some medications, including 

antidepressants and ADHD medications, carry 

FDA warnings about potentially dangerous side 

effects for young people . See the sections on 

antidepressants and ADHD medications for more 

information about these warnings . 

More research is needed on how these medications 

affect children and adolescents . NIMH has 

funded studies on this topic . For example, NIMH 

funded the Preschoolers with ADHD Treatment 

Study (PATS), which involved 300 preschoolers 

(3 to 5 years old) diagnosed with ADHD . The 

study found that low doses of the stimulant 

methylphenidate are safe and effective for 

preschoolers . However, children of this age are 

more sensitive to the side effects of the medication, 

including slower growth rates . Children taking 

methylphenidate should be watched closely .15,16,17

In addition to medications, other treatments 

for young people with mental disorders should 

be considered . Psychotherapy, family therapy, 

educational courses, and behavior management 

techniques can help everyone involved cope with 

the disorder . Click here for more information on 

child and adolescent mental health research . 

Older adults 

Because older people often have more medical 

problems than other groups, they tend to 

take more medications than younger people, 

including prescribed, over-the-counter, and herbal 

medications . As a result, older people have a 

higher risk for experiencing bad drug interactions, 

missing doses, or overdosing . 

Older people also tend to be more sensitive to 

medications . Even healthy older people react to 

medications differently than younger people because 

their bodies process it more slowly . Therefore, lower 

or less frequent doses may be needed .

Sometimes memory problems affect older people 

who take medications for mental disorders . An 

older adult may forget his or her regular dose 

and take too much or not enough . A good way to 

keep track of medicine is to use a seven-day pill 
Mental Health Medications 15

box, which can be bought at any pharmacy . At 

the beginning of each week, older adults and their 

caregivers fill the box so that it is easy to remember 

what medicine to take . Many pharmacies also have 

pillboxes with sections for medications that must 

be taken more than once a day . 

Women who are pregnant or may 

become pregnant 

The research on the use of psychiatric medications 

during pregnancy is limited . The risks are different 

depending on what medication is taken, and at what 

point during the pregnancy the medication is taken . 

Research has shown that antidepressants, especially 

SSRIs, are safe during pregnancy . Birth defects 

or other problems are possible, but they are very 

rare .18,19

However, antidepressant medications do cross 

the placental barrier and may reach the fetus . 

Some research suggests the use of SSRIs during 

pregnancy is associated with miscarriage or birth 

defects, but other studies do not support this .20

Studies have also found that fetuses exposed to 

SSRIs during the third trimester may be born 

with “withdrawal” symptoms such as breathing 

problems, jitteriness, irritability, trouble feeding, or 

hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) . 

Most studies have found that these symptoms in 

babies are generally mild and short-lived, and no 

deaths have been reported . On the flip side, women 

who stop taking their antidepressant medication 

during pregnancy may get depression again and 

may put both themselves and their infant at risk .20,21

In 2004, the FDA issued a warning against the use 

of certain antidepressants in the late third trimester . 

The warning said that doctors may want to 

gradually taper pregnant women off antidepressants 

in the third trimester so that the baby is not 

affected .22 After a woman delivers, she should 

consult with her doctor to decide whether to return 

to a full dose during the period when she is most 

vulnerable to postpartum depression .

Some medications should not be taken during 

pregnancy . Benzodiazepines may cause birth 

defects or other infant problems, especially if 

taken during the first trimester . Mood stabilizers 

are known to cause birth defects . Benzodiazepines 

and lithium have been shown to cause “floppy baby 

syndrome,” which is when a baby is drowsy and 

limp, and cannot breathe or feed well .

Research suggests that taking antipsychotic 

medications during pregnancy can lead to birth 

defects, especially if they are taken during the 

first trimester . But results vary widely depending 

on the type of antipsychotic . The conventional 

antipsychotic haloperidol has been studied more 

than others, and has been found not to cause birth 

defects .23,24

After the baby is born, women and their doctors 

should watch for postpartum depression, especially 

if they stopped taking their medication during 

pregnancy . In addition, women who nurse while 

taking psychiatric medications should know that 

a small amount of the medication passes into the 

breast milk . However, the medication may or may 

not affect the baby . It depends on the medication 

and when it is taken . Women taking psychiatric 

medications and who intend to breastfeed should 

discuss the potential risks and benefits with their 

doctors . 

Decisions on medication should be based on each 

woman’s needs and circumstances . Medications 

should be selected based on available scientific 

research, and they should be taken at the lowest 

possible dose . Pregnant women should be watched 

closely throughout their pregnancy and after 

delivery .
16 National Institute of Mental Health

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What should I ask my doctor if I am prescribed a 

psychiatric medication?

You and your family can help your 

doctor find the right medications for 

you . The doctor needs to know your 

medical history; family history; information about 

allergies; other medications, supplements or herbal 

remedies you take; and other details about your 

overall health . You or a family member should 

ask the following questions when a medication is 

prescribed:

What is the name of the medication?

What is the medication supposed to do?

How and when should I take it? 

How much should I take? 

What should I do if I miss a dose?

When and how should I stop taking it?

Will it interact with other medications I take? 

Do I need to avoid any types of food or drink 

while taking the medication? What should I 

avoid?

Should it be taken with or without food?

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking this 

medication?

What are the side effects? What should I do 

if I experience them?

Is the Patient Package Insert for the 

medication available?

After taking the medication for a short time, tell 

your doctor how you feel, if you are having side 

effects, and any concerns you have about the 

medicine . 
Mental Health Medications 17

Alphabetical List of Medications

This section identifies antipsychotic 

medications, antidepressant medications, 

mood stabilizers, anticonvulsant 

medications, anti-anxiety medications, and ADHD 

medications. Some medications are marketed under 

trade names, not all of which can be listed in this 

publication. The first chart lists the medications by 

trade name; the second chart lists the medications 

by generic name. If your medication does not appear 

in this section, refer to the FDA Web site. Also, ask 

your doctor or pharmacist for more information 

about any medication.

Medications Organized by Trade Name

Trade Name Generic Name FDA Approved Age

Combination Antipsychotic and Antidepressant Medication

Symbyax (Prozac & Zyprexa) fluoxetine & olanzapine 18 and older

Antipsychotic Medications

Abilify aripiprazole 13 to 17 for schizophrenia and bipolar; 

18 and older for schizophrenia, bipolar 

mania, and depression

Clozaril clozapine 18 and older

Fanapt iloperidone 18 and older

fluphenazine (generic only) fluphenazine 18 and older

Geodon ziprasidone 18 and older

Haldol haloperidol 3 and older

Invega paliperidone 18 and older

Loxitane loxapine 18 and older

Moban molindone 18 and older

Navane thiothixene 18 and older

Orap (for Tourette’s syndrome) pimozide 12 and older

perphenazine (generic only) perphenazine 18 and older

Risperdal risperidone 13 and older for schizophrenia; 10 and older 

for bipolar mania and mixed episodes; 5 to 

16 for irritability associated with autism

Seroquel quetiapine 18 and older for schizophrenia and bipolar 

disorder

Stelazine trifluoperazine 18 and older

thioridazine (generic only) thioridazine 2 and older

Thorazine chlorpromazine 18 and older

Zyprexa olanzapine 18 and older
18 National Institute of Mental Health 

Trade Name Generic Name FDA Approved Age 

Antidepressant Medications (also used for anxiety disorders) 

Anafranil (tricyclic) clomipramine 10 and older (for OCD only) 

Asendin amoxapine 18 and older 

Aventyl (tricyclic) nortriptyline 18 and older 

Celexa (SSRI) citalopram 18 and older 

Cymbalta (SNRI) duloxetine 18 and older 

Desyrel trazodone 18 and older 

Effexor (SNRI) venlafaxine 18 and older 

Elavil (tricyclic) amitriptyline 18 and older 

Emsam selegiline 18 and older 

Lexapro (SSRI) escitalopram 18 and older; 12-17 (for major 

depressive disorder) 

Ludiomil (tricyclic) maprotiline 18 and older 

Luvox (SSRI) fluvoxamine 8 and older (for OCD only) 

Marplan (MAOI) isocarboxazid 18 and older 

Nardil (MAOI) phenelzine 18 and older 

Norpramin (tricyclic) desipramine 18 and older 

Pamelor (tricyclic) nortriptyline 18 and older 

Parnate (MAOI) tranylcypromine 18 and older 

Paxil (SSRI) paroxetine 18 and older 

Pexeva (SSRI) paroxetine-mesylate 18 and older 

Prozac (SSRI) fluoxetine 8 and older 

Remeron mirtazapine 18 and older 

Sarafem (SSRI) fluoxetine 18 and older for premenstrual 

dysphoric disorder (PMDD) 

Sinequan (tricyclic) doxepin 12 and older 

Surmontil (tricyclic) trimipramine 18 and older 

Tofranil (tricyclic) imipramine 6 and older (for bedwetting) 

Tofranil-PM (tricyclic) imipramine pamoate 18 and older 

Vivactil (tricyclic) protriptyline 18 and older 

Wellbutrin bupropion 18 and older 

Zoloft (SSRI) sertraline 6 and older (for OCD only) 
Mental Health Medications 19

Trade Name Generic Name FDA Approved Age

Mood Stabilizing and Anticonvulsant Medications

Depakote divalproex sodium (valproic acid) 2 and older (for seizures)

Eskalith lithium carbonate 12 and older

Lamictal lamotrigine 18 and older

lithium citrate (generic only) lithium citrate 12 and older

Lithobid lithium carbonate 12 and older

Neurontin gabapentin 18 and older

Tegretol carbamazepine any age (for seizures)

Topamax topiramate 18 and older

Trileptal oxcarbazepine 4 and older

Anti-anxiety Medications 

(All of these anti-anxiety medications are benzodiazepines, except BuSpar)

Ativan lorazepam 18 and older

BuSpar buspirone 18 and older

Klonopin clonazepam 18 and older

Librium chlordiazepoxide 18 and older

oxazepam (generic only) oxazepam 18 and older

Tranxene clorazepate 18 and older

Valium diazepam 18 and older

Xanax alprazolam 18 and older
20 National Institute of Mental Health

Trade Name Generic Name FDA Approved Age

ADHD Medications

(All of these ADHD medications are stimulants, except Strattera .)

Adderall amphetamine 3 and older

Adderall XR amphetamine (extended release) 6 and older

Concerta methylphenidate (long acting) 6 and older

Daytrana methylphenidate patch 6 and older 

Desoxyn methamphetamine 6 and older

Dexedrine dextroamphetamine 3 and older

Dextrostat dextroamphetamine 3 and older

Focalin dexmethylphenidate 6 and older

Focalin XR dexmethylphenidate (extended release) 6 and older

Metadate ER methylphenidate (extended release) 6 and older

Metadate CD methylphenidate (extended release) 6 and older

Methylin methylphenidate (oral solution and 

chewable tablets)

6 and older

Ritalin methylphenidate 6 and older

Ritalin SR methylphenidate (extended release) 6 and older

Ritalin LA methylphenidate (long-acting) 6 and older

Strattera atomoxetine 6 and older

Vyvanse lisdexamfetamine dimesylate 6 and older
Mental Health Medications 21

Medications Organized by Generic Name

Generic Name Trade Name FDA Approved Age

Combination Antipsychotic and Antidepressant Medication

fluoxetine & olanzapine Symbyax (Prozac & Zyprexa) 18 and older

Antipsychotic Medications

aripiprazole Abilify 13 to 17 for schizophrenia 

and bipolar; 18 and older for 

schizophrenia, bipolar mania, 

and depression

chlorpromazine Thorazine 18 and older

clozapine Clozaril 18 and older

fluphenazine (generic only) fluphenazine 18 and older

haloperidol Haldol 3 and older

iloperidone Fanapt 18 and older

loxapine Loxitane 18 and older

molindone Moban 18 and older

olanzapine Zyprexa 18 and older

paliperidone Invega 18 and older

perphenazine (generic only) perphenazine 18 and older

pimozide (for Tourette’s 

syndrome)

Orap 12 and older

quetiapine Seroquel 18 and older for schizophrenia 

and bipolar disorder

risperidone Risperdal 13 and older for schizophrenia; 

10 and older for bipolar mania 

and mixed episodes; 5 to 16 for 

irritability associated with autism

thioridazine (generic only) thioridazine 2 and older 

thiothixene Navane 18 and older

trifluoperazine Stelazine 18 and older
22 National Institute of Mental Health 

Generic Name Trade Name FDA Approved Age 

Antidepressant Medications (also used for anxiety disorders) 

amitriptyline (tricyclic) Elavil 18 and older 

amoxapine Asendin 18 and older 

bupropion Wellbutrin 18 and older 

citalopram (SSRI) Celexa 18 and older 

clomipramine (tricyclic) Anafranil 10 and older (for OCD only) 

desipramine (tricyclic) Norpramin 18 and older 

doxepin (tricyclic) Sinequan 12 and older 

duloxetine (SNRI) Cymbalta 18 and older 

escitalopram (SSRI) Lexapro 18 and older; 12-17 (for major 

depressive disorder) 

fluoxetine (SSRI) Prozac 8 and older 

fluoxetine (SSRI) Sarafem 18 and older for premenstrual 

dysphoric disorder (PMDD) 

fluvoxamine (SSRI) Luvox 8 and older (for OCD only) 

imipramine (tricyclic) Tofranil 6 and older (for bedwetting) 

imipramine pamoate (tricyclic) Tofranil-PM 18 and older 

isocarboxazid (MAOI) Marplan 18 and older 

maprotiline (tricyclic) Ludiomil 18 and older 

mirtazapine Remeron 18 and older 

nortriptyline (tricyclic) Aventyl, Pamelor 18 and older 

paroxetine (SSRI) Paxil 18 and older 

paroxetine mesylate (SSRI) Pexeva 18 and older 

phenelzine (MAOI) Nardil 18 and older 

protriptyline (tricyclic) Vivactil 18 and older 

selegiline Emsam 18 and older 

sertraline (SSRI) Zoloft 6 and older (for OCD only) 

tranylcypromine (MAOI) Parnate 18 and older 

trazodone Desyrel 18 and older 

trimipramine (tricyclic) Surmontil 18 and older 

venlafaxine (SNRI) Effexor 18 and older 
Mental Health Medications 23

Generic Name Trade Name FDA Approved Age 

Mood Stabilizing and Anticonvulsant Medications 

carbamazepine Tegretol any age (for seizures) 

divalproex sodium (valproic acid) Depakote 2 and older (for seizures) 

gabapentin Neurontin 18 and older 

lamotrigine Lamictal 18 and older 

lithium carbonate Eskalith, Lithobid 12 and older 

lithium citrate (generic only) lithium citrate 12 and older 

oxcarbazepine Trileptal 4 and older 

topiramate Topamax 18 and older 

Anti-anxiety Medications 

(All of these anti-anxiety medications are benzodiazepines, except buspirone.) 

alprazolam Xanax 18 and older 

buspirone BuSpar 18 and older 

chlordiazepoxide Librium 18 and older 

clonazepam Klonopin 18 and older 

clorazepate Tranxene 18 and older 

diazepam Valium 18 and older 

lorazepam Ativan 18 and older 

oxazepam (generic only) oxazepam 18 and older 
24 National Institute of Mental Health

Generic Name Trade Name FDA Approved Age

ADHD Medications

(All of these ADHD medications are stimulants, except atomoxetine)

amphetamine Adderall 3 and older

amphetamine (extended release) Adderall XR 6 and older

atomoxetine Strattera 6 and older

dexmethylphenidate Focalin 6 and older

dexmethylphenidate (extended 

release)

Focalin XR 6 and older

dextroamphetamine Dexedrine, Dextrostat 3 and older 

lisdexamfetamine dimesylate Vyvanse 6 and older

methamphetamine Desoxyn 6 and older

methylphenidate Ritalin 6 and older

methylphenidate (extended Metadate CD, Metadate ER, 6 and older

release) Ritalin SR

methylphenidate (long-acting) Ritalin LA, Concerta 6 and older

methylphenidate patch Daytrana 6 and older

methylphenidate (oral solution 

and chewable tablets)

Methylin 6 and older
Mental Health Medications 25

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26 National Institute of Mental Health

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For More Information on 

Medications:

Visit the National Library of Medicine’s 

MedlinePlus 

http://www .nlm .nih .gov/medlineplus

En Español 

http://medlineplus .gov/spanish

For information on Clinical Trials 

http://www .nimh .nih .gov/health/trials/index .shtml

National Library of Medicine Clinical Trials 

Database 

http://www .clinicaltrials .gov

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U.S. Department of HealtH anD HUman ServiceS

National Institutes of Health

NIH Publication No. 08–3929

Revised 2008