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In the United States, 1 in 5 people live with a mental illness. They can range in severity, from a condition that minimally affects your day to day life to a serious illness that requires intervention. Whatever the case, the most popular treatment among various options is managing through medication. Understanding these medicines, what they do and the conditions they are meant to treat, is key to improving your health!
There are six main types of mental health medications. Depending on the condition you have, and how it is affecting you, your doctor may recommend one, or a combination of several. This guide from PatientsLikeMe will help explain these drug classifications! Then, you can work with your physician and use drug discount resources like Optum Perks Discount Card to find the best deal.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are medications used to treat depression and certain anxiety disorders. Usually, they are prescribed to treat major depressive disorder, bipolar depression, and persistent depressive disorder. Some common types include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram, escitalopram oxalate, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine HCI, and sertraline.
- Selective serotonin & norepinephrine inhibitors (SNRIs) like desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, and venlafaxine.
- Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and nortriptyline.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like phenelzine and tranylcypromine.
- Novel serotonergic drugs like vortioxetine or vilazodone.
Anxiolytics
Anxiolytics are also known as anti-anxiety medications. These are used to treat generalized anxiety and panic disorders. The word "anxiolytic" has its roots in ancient Greek. "Anxio" means anxiety, and "lytic" means loosen. They include:
- Benzodiazepines like alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, and lorazepam.
- Buspirone
- Antiseizure medicines like gabapentin or pregabalin.
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics primarily treat psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. They can also be prescribed to treat some forms of bipolar disorder and depression. Generally, they function by balancing out chemicals in your brain. Common options include:
- First-generation antipsychotics such as haloperidol and chlorpromazine.
- Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics such as aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone.
Mood Stabilizers
If you live with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, you may be familiar with mood stabilizers. As their name suggests, these medications are used to manage mood swings such as mania, hypomania, and depression. They help to control and even out mood swings. The most common forms are:
- Lithium
- Valproate
- Lamatrigine
Stimulants
Stimulants primarily treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They increase alertness, attention, and energy. They can also raise blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. People who have significant issues with focusing often seek these prescriptions. There are a few types:
- Amphetamines like dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine.
- Methamphetamine
- Methylphenidate
Depressants
Although it may sound contradictory, depressants are prescribed to treat mental health disorders. These medications lower arousal and reduce stimulation. They slow the messages passing between the brain and the body, which can help people feel more relaxed. Some common options are:
- Benzodiazepines such as diazepam, alprazolam, and clonazepam.
- Barbiturates such as phenobarbital, pentobaribal, and mephobarbital.
- Sleep medications such as zolpidem, eszopiclone, and sonata.
While medications can effectively manage symptoms of mental health disorders, they are not a cure. It is crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage for your needs. You should also carefully monitor for any side effects.