A Team Approach to Treatment
Psychopharmacology, the study of medicines for emotional disorders, provides many treatments for some very painful conditions. Many older medications are being replaced with newer generation medications that work better with fewer side effects.
While these new medicines tend to be safer than older drugs, there is no treatment that is without potential side-effects. There is no guarantee that a medicine will work for you or that it will be safe. Individuals may have good luck with a medicine or experience serious reactions or drug interactions. We talk with our patients about what to expect and often provide research materials. Almost all pharmaceutical companies have websites about their products. You can also find useful medication information at the National Library of Medicine.
Common Psychotropic Medications
Some common psychotropic medications and their benefits and risks are:
Stimulant Medications (methylphenidate, dexedrine, mixed amphetamine salts, etc.): These medicines are used for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to help improve concentration and attention. They may cause decreased appetite, agitation, motor tics, hallucinations and trouble sleeping. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication approved for the treatment of ADHD. It may cause stomach upset, sedation, suicide ideation and liver problems.
Antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion, venlafaxine, escitalopram, etc.): Antidepressants often help treat mood and anxiety problems. They may help with sadness, depression, insomnia and anger. These medications may cause agitation, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, suicide ideation, increased irritability, and fatigue.
Antipsychotic medicines (risperidone, olanzapine, ziprasidone, aripiprazole, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, fluphenazine, etc.): These medicines are often used to treat those with bipolar or schizophrenia. These medications may help reduce hallucinations, level mood swings, improve sleep, and help reduce interpersonal problems. These medications may cause tardive dyskinesia (a potentially severe muscle disorder) and metabolic problems like weight gain, diabetes, and elevated lipids/cholesterol.
Mood stabilizers (lithium, valproic acid, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, etc.): These medications may help treat Bipolar Disorder, help reduce irritability or rages and level mood. These medicines may cause liver or kidney problems, muscle problems, severe skin rash, blood cell changes, and reduced ability to fight infection.