In psychiatry, medication refers to the use of pharmaceutical drugs to treat mental health disorders. These medications can help manage symptoms, stabilize mood, and improve functioning in individuals with psychiatric conditions. Psychiatric medications are typically prescribed by psychiatrists or other healthcare providers and are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other treatments.

There are several classes of medications commonly used in psychiatry, each designed to target specific symptoms or underlying neurochemical imbalances that contribute to mental health conditions. Some of the major classes of psychiatric medications include:

1. Antidepressants

  • Use: Primarily prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and sometimes other conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

  • Common types:

    • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline)

    • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine)

    • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline)

    • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine)

2. Antipsychotics (Neuroleptics)

  • Use: Typically prescribed for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and sometimes severe depression or anxiety that is resistant to other treatments.

  • Common types:

    • Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone, quetiapine, olanzapine)

    • Typical (first-generation) antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, chlorpromazine)

3. Mood Stabilizers

  • Use: Primarily used for individuals with bipolar disorder to prevent mood swings between depression and mania.

  • Common types:

    • Lithium

    • Anticonvulsants (e.g., valproate, lamotrigine, carbamazepine)

4. Anxiolytics

  • Use: These medications are used to reduce symptoms of anxiety and related disorders.

  • Common types:

    • Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam) – usually prescribed for short-term use due to risks of dependency

    • Buspirone – a non-benzodiazepine alternative for anxiety

5. Stimulants

  • Use: Primarily prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to improve focus, attention, and impulse control.

  • Common types:

    • Methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta)

    • Amphetamine-based medications (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse)

6. Cognitive Enhancers

  • Use: These are sometimes used to treat cognitive symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Common types:

    • Donepezil

    • Rivastigmine

    • Memantine

7. Anticonvulsants (for mood disorders and anxiety)

  • Use: Some anticonvulsant medications, originally developed to treat epilepsy, are also used as mood stabilizers or for anxiety.

  • Common types:

    • Gabapentin (sometimes used for anxiety)

    • Topiramate (occasionally used for mood stabilization)

8. Sleep Medications

  • Use: Prescribed for sleep disturbances, which are common in various psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

  • Common types:

    • Sedative-hypnotics (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone)

    • Melatonin agonists (e.g., ramelteon)

Important Considerations:

  • Side effects: All medications come with the potential for side effects, which can vary from mild (e.g., drowsiness, weight gain) to severe (e.g., movement disorders, cardiovascular issues).

  • Monitoring: Psychiatric medications often require careful monitoring by healthcare providers, especially when starting treatment or adjusting doses.

  • Individualized treatment: The choice of medication depends on the specific diagnosis, the severity of symptoms, the individual’s response to previous treatments, and any co-occurring medical conditions.

  • Adjunct to therapy: Medication is often used alongside psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT) to offer a comprehensive treatment approach.


Medication at New Dawn Psychiatric Services

Medication can be a critical part of managing psychiatric conditions, helping people lead more stable and functional lives, but it is typically most effective when combined with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and other support mechanisms.

If you’re considering medication, we’re happy to consult with you and explore your options at New Dawn Psychiatric Services.