Common Medications
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Mental health refers to our psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing. When a person has a mental health condition, it affects how they act, feel, and think, how they relate to others, how they handle stress, and the choices they make. A person’s mental health is affected by various factors, including genetic factors (brain chemistry) and environmental factors (life experiences, like abuse). Mental health conditions are treatable with psychotherapy, medications, and other modalities. The important thing is to recognize the early warning signs of mental health problems in yourself or a loved one and get help as soon as possible.
Common Mental Health Conditions
Major depressive disorder (depression) is a common mental illness that affects how you think, feel, and act. It causes feelings of sadness, worthlessness, guilt, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. It can lead to decreased functioning at home and work, changes in sleeping patterns and appetite, and loss of energy. People suffering from depression may have difficulty focusing, thinking clearly, and making decisions. Some people with depression have thoughts of suicide and death.
Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has excessive and persistent worries about various things, such as family, health, money, or work. People with anxiety disorder tend to expect the worst and find it difficult to control their worrying thoughts. Generalized anxiety disorder is diagnosed when such symptoms continue for at least six months (to differentiate it from situational worry related to a specific stressor).
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which a person experiences sudden panic or fear in the absence of any real danger. During a panic attack, there can be various physical symptoms such as a racing heart, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and sweating. Panic attacks can occur at any time without warning. The disorder usually starts during young adulthood and is more common in women than men.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic (long-lasting) mental health condition in which a person has uncontrolled, recurring thoughts and behaviors (obsessions and compulsions) with an urge to repeat certain behaviors. A common type of OCD is a fear of germs leading to compulsive and repetitive handwashing. Other common obsessions include wanting to do things in a particular order. Compulsive behaviors can include repeatedly checking something, such as if a door is locked or if the stove was turned off.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that develops in some people after they have witnessed or experienced a traumatic or dangerous event. The symptoms usually start within 3 months of the event and can consist of flashbacks, bad dreams, avoiding places that are reminders of the event, difficulty sleeping, angry outbursts, feeling on edge, negative thoughts, and more.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition in which a person experiences unusual changes in mood, energy, activity levels, thinking ability, and day-to-day functioning. The person’s mood varies from extremely energetic and happy (these are called manic episodes) to extremely sad and hopeless (these are called depressive episodes).
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder in which a person loses touch with reality and has odd behaviors, abnormal thinking, altered perceptions, hallucinations, and delusions. Schizophrenia can be considerably distressing for the affected person and their loved ones and can lead to persistent and disabling symptoms. However, effective treatments are available that can help schizophrenic individuals live and work independently and enjoy healthy personal relationships.
Medications for Mental Health Conditions
Medications cannot cure mental health conditions. However, they can significantly improve the symptoms of a mental illness and help to make other treatments like psychotherapy more effective. Some of the medications commonly used in patients with psychiatric conditions include:
Anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax) have a calming effect on the nervous system and are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder for short-term relief. They are only recommended for short-term use because of the potential to cause dependency.
Antidepressants like SSRIs (Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, Zoloft) help to balance chemicals in the brain and improve mood, sleep, and concentration. They are used to treat depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.
Mood stabilizers include anticonvulsant drugs like lithium, carbamazepine (Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal). They are used to control manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. They are also used in people with schizoaffective disorder or impulse control disorder.
Anti-psychotic medications such as quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon), aripiprazole (Abilify), risperidone (Risperdal), and olanzapine (Zyprexa) work by blocking the release of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain. Excessive release of these chemicals is linked to psychotic experiences. Anti-psychotics are used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, and other mental illness.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Mental Health Conditions
Medications used to treat mental health are prescription drugs and should be taken under the direction and supervision of a healthcare provider. Some over-the-counter supplements, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, 5HTP, St. John’s Wort, vitamins, and minerals are sometimes promoted as being helpful for people with mild depression. However, there is no strong scientific evidence to support that these supplements can improve symptoms of depression or other mental disorders.
Common Side Effects of Mental Health Medications
Potential side effects of anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines include drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, memory problems, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
Antidepressants can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain, drowsiness, and sexual problems.
Possible side effects of mood stabilizers include itching, rash, tremor (shaking), slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, fast or irregular heartbeat, vision changes, hallucinations, and loss of coordination.
Anti-psychotics can cause side effects such as restlessness, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, tics and tremors (uncontrolled movements), and low blood pressure.
Common Questions
Is there a cure for mental illness?
While there is no cure for mental illnesses, most conditions can be managed successfully. Recovery from mental health problems is a process. Most people who are diagnosed with a mental health condition can get relief from their symptoms and lead a satisfying life with the proper treatment consisting of medications, psychotherapy, and support groups.
I’ve been on antidepressant medication for a while now and I feel great. Can I stop taking my medication?
It is important to talk to the prescribing doctor before stopping your medication. Sometimes, the symptoms of anxiety and depression can come back after you come off the medication. Stopping it abruptly can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor can work with you to help you safely come off the medication.
Can I get a discount on mental health medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including mental health medications—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92254/
3. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
4. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad
5. https://medlineplus.gov/panicdisorder.html
6. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml
7. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml
8. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3539724/
10. https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/commonly-prescribed-antidepressants-and-how-they-work
11. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml
12. https://www.nami.org/FAQ/Mental-Health-Medication-FAQ/I-have-been-taking-my-antidepressant-medication-fo
Common Mental Health Health Medications
Mental Health
Get the latest information on common prescription and over-the-counter mental health drugs.
Mental health refers to our psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing. When a person has a mental health condition, it affects how they act, feel, and think, how they relate to others, how they handle stress, and the choices they make. A person’s mental health is affected by various factors, including genetic factors (brain chemistry) and environmental factors (life experiences, like abuse). Mental health conditions are treatable with psychotherapy, medications, and other modalities. The important thing is to recognize the early warning signs of mental health problems in yourself or a loved one and get help as soon as possible.
Common Mental Health Conditions
Major depressive disorder (depression) is a common mental illness that affects how you think, feel, and act. It causes feelings of sadness, worthlessness, guilt, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. It can lead to decreased functioning at home and work, changes in sleeping patterns and appetite, and loss of energy. People suffering from depression may have difficulty focusing, thinking clearly, and making decisions. Some people with depression have thoughts of suicide and death.
Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has excessive and persistent worries about various things, such as family, health, money, or work. People with anxiety disorder tend to expect the worst and find it difficult to control their worrying thoughts. Generalized anxiety disorder is diagnosed when such symptoms continue for at least six months (to differentiate it from situational worry related to a specific stressor).
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which a person experiences sudden panic or fear in the absence of any real danger. During a panic attack, there can be various physical symptoms such as a racing heart, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and sweating. Panic attacks can occur at any time without warning. The disorder usually starts during young adulthood and is more common in women than men.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic (long-lasting) mental health condition in which a person has uncontrolled, recurring thoughts and behaviors (obsessions and compulsions) with an urge to repeat certain behaviors. A common type of OCD is a fear of germs leading to compulsive and repetitive handwashing. Other common obsessions include wanting to do things in a particular order. Compulsive behaviors can include repeatedly checking something, such as if a door is locked or if the stove was turned off.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that develops in some people after they have witnessed or experienced a traumatic or dangerous event. The symptoms usually start within 3 months of the event and can consist of flashbacks, bad dreams, avoiding places that are reminders of the event, difficulty sleeping, angry outbursts, feeling on edge, negative thoughts, and more.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition in which a person experiences unusual changes in mood, energy, activity levels, thinking ability, and day-to-day functioning. The person’s mood varies from extremely energetic and happy (these are called manic episodes) to extremely sad and hopeless (these are called depressive episodes).
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder in which a person loses touch with reality and has odd behaviors, abnormal thinking, altered perceptions, hallucinations, and delusions. Schizophrenia can be considerably distressing for the affected person and their loved ones and can lead to persistent and disabling symptoms. However, effective treatments are available that can help schizophrenic individuals live and work independently and enjoy healthy personal relationships.
Medications for Mental Health Conditions
Medications cannot cure mental health conditions. However, they can significantly improve the symptoms of a mental illness and help to make other treatments like psychotherapy more effective. Some of the medications commonly used in patients with psychiatric conditions include:
Anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax) have a calming effect on the nervous system and are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder for short-term relief. They are only recommended for short-term use because of the potential to cause dependency.
Antidepressants like SSRIs (Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, Zoloft) help to balance chemicals in the brain and improve mood, sleep, and concentration. They are used to treat depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.
Mood stabilizers include anticonvulsant drugs like lithium, carbamazepine (Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal). They are used to control manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. They are also used in people with schizoaffective disorder or impulse control disorder.
Anti-psychotic medications such as quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon), aripiprazole (Abilify), risperidone (Risperdal), and olanzapine (Zyprexa) work by blocking the release of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain. Excessive release of these chemicals is linked to psychotic experiences. Anti-psychotics are used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, and other mental illness.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Mental Health Conditions
Medications used to treat mental health are prescription drugs and should be taken under the direction and supervision of a healthcare provider. Some over-the-counter supplements, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, 5HTP, St. John’s Wort, vitamins, and minerals are sometimes promoted as being helpful for people with mild depression. However, there is no strong scientific evidence to support that these supplements can improve symptoms of depression or other mental disorders.
Common Side Effects of Mental Health Medications
Potential side effects of anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines include drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, memory problems, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
Antidepressants can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain, drowsiness, and sexual problems.
Possible side effects of mood stabilizers include itching, rash, tremor (shaking), slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, fast or irregular heartbeat, vision changes, hallucinations, and loss of coordination.
Anti-psychotics can cause side effects such as restlessness, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, tics and tremors (uncontrolled movements), and low blood pressure.
Common Questions
Is there a cure for mental illness?
While there is no cure for mental illnesses, most conditions can be managed successfully. Recovery from mental health problems is a process. Most people who are diagnosed with a mental health condition can get relief from their symptoms and lead a satisfying life with the proper treatment consisting of medications, psychotherapy, and support groups.
I’ve been on antidepressant medication for a while now and I feel great. Can I stop taking my medication?
It is important to talk to the prescribing doctor before stopping your medication. Sometimes, the symptoms of anxiety and depression can come back after you come off the medication. Stopping it abruptly can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor can work with you to help you safely come off the medication.
Can I get a discount on mental health medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including mental health medications—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92254/
3. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
4. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad
5. https://medlineplus.gov/panicdisorder.html
6. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml
7. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml
8. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3539724/
10. https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/commonly-prescribed-antidepressants-and-how-they-work
11. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml
12. https://www.nami.org/FAQ/Mental-Health-Medication-FAQ/I-have-been-taking-my-antidepressant-medication-fo
Common Mental Health Health Medications
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