Psychotropic Medications by Diagnostic Category

Question 1

Depressive Disorders

Answer 1

• SSRIS (most commonly prescribed, w/ min side effects, 2-4 wks before effect): Prozac (Fluoxetine), Celexa (Citalopram), Zoloft (Sertraline), Lexapro (Escitalopram), Paxil (Paroxetine), Luvox (Fluvoxamine)
• NDRI (most commonly prescribed, w/ min side effects, 204 wks before effect): Wellbutrin (Bupropion, Zyban, Aplenzin)
• MAOIs and Tricyclic Antidepressants: If SSRIs and NDRI don’t work, then they’ll try these, Less prescribed b/c dangerous when eaten w/ foods high in tyramine, May cause serotonin syndrome (dangerously high levels of serotonin
• Possible Side Effects: Nausea, gastrointestinal issues, headache, insomia, nervousness/agitation, decrease in sex desire, fatigue, dry mouth, changes in apetite, weight gain, SSRIs may increase SI risk in ppl youngr than 25 yo

Question 2

Anxiety Disorders

Answer 2

• Benzodiazepines: Valium (Diazepam), Xanax (Alprazolam), Ativan (Lorazepam), Klonopin (Clonazepam)
• Should not be taken w/ alcohol, taken together increases effect of both and can worsen the other’s side effects.
• Possible side effects: Drowsiness, muscle weakness, slurred speech, light-headedness, unsteadiness or motor incoordination, or memory issues.

Question 3

Mood Disorders

Answer 3

• Lithium, Depakote (Divalproex Sodium), Lamictal (Lamotrigine), Abilify (Aripiprazole)
• Abilify is an add-on tx to be used w/ another medication for Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or Schizophrenia, when the other drug alone is not enough.
• Possible side effects: Headaches, tremors, nausea or diarrhea, irritability or agitation, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness or dizziness, or weight gain.
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome is rare, but potentially serious side effect of Lamotrigine, causes flu-like
  symptoms, followed by red or purple rash that spreads and forms blisters, clt should immediately contact doctor

Question 4

ADHD

Answer 4

• Ritalin/Concerta (Methylphenidate), Adderall (Amphetamine), Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine)
• Possible side effects: Loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach ache, headache, trouble sleeping, jitteriness, irritability, increased heart rate or blood pressure.

Question 5

Schizophrenia

Answer 5

• Haldol (Haloperidol), Thorazine (Chlorpromazine), Seroquel (Quitiapine), Risperdal (Risperidone), Zyprexa (Olanzapine), Clozaril (Clozapine)
• Possible side effects include: Tardive Dyskinesia is a possible side effect of long-term use of antipsychotic medications to treat Schizophrenia, causes involuntary
  movements of tongue, lips, face, trunk, and extremities, -
• Tx options for side effect: 2 FDA approved drugs, Ingrezza (Valbenazine) and Zenazine (Tetrabenazine) as well as Anticholinergics, or muscle relaxers.