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At Platinum Psychiatry, we understand the importance of informed healthcare. This page is designed to provide you with comprehensive information about the medications commonly prescribed in psychiatric treatments.

This page is only educational and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.

If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Psychiatric Medications

Psychiatric medications are essential tools in managing various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. They work by altering brain chemistry to alleviate symptoms and improve overall functioning. Below are some commonly prescribed medications for these conditions:

Anxiety Disorders

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are a class of antidepressants commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. They work by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and emotions. Examples include:

  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)

Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting medications used to provide immediate relief from acute anxiety symptoms. However, they are typically prescribed for short-term use due to the risk of dependence and withdrawal. Examples include:

  • Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Lorazepam (Ativan)
  • Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Depression

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are also the first-line treatment for depression. They help alleviate symptoms by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Examples include:

  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are another class of antidepressants that increase both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Examples include:

  • Venlafaxine (Effexor)
  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
Stimulants
Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD. They work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, improving focus and impulse control. Examples include:

  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
  • Amphetamine (Adderall)

Non-Stimulant Medications
Non-stimulant medications are also available for ADHD treatment, particularly for individuals who cannot tolerate stimulants. Examples include:

  • Atomoxetine (Strattera)
  • Guanfacine (Intuniv)
  • Clonidine (Kapvay)
Bipolar Disorder
Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers are the primary medications used to manage bipolar disorder, helping to stabilize mood and prevent manic and depressive episodes. Examples include:

  • Lithium
  • Valproate (Depakote)
  • Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

Atypical Antipsychotics
Atypical antipsychotic medications are often used in combination with mood stabilizers to manage symptoms of bipolar disorder. Examples include:

  • Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
  • Quetiapine (Seroquel)
  • Aripiprazole (Abilify)
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are the first-line treatment for PTSD, helping to alleviate symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and hypervigilance. Examples include:

  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs may also be used to treat PTSD, particularly for individuals who do not respond to SSRIs. Examples include:

  • Venlafaxine (Effexor)
  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting or discontinuing any medication, and discuss any concerns or side effects you may experience during treatment.

Stimulants

Stimulants are a class of medications widely used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and sometimes other conditions like narcolepsy (a sleep disorder). They are known for increasing alertness, attention, and energy.

How Do Stimulants Work?

The human brain contains several neurotransmitters, the chemicals that help transmit signals between nerve cells. Stimulants primarily work by enhancing the effects of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, namely dopamine and norepinephrine.

Dopamine: Often referred to as the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter, dopamine plays a significant role in how we feel pleasure. It’s a part of our reward system and helps with focus and motivation.

Norepinephrine: This neurotransmitter is linked to our ‘fight or flight’ response. It affects how we pay attention and respond to events.

By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters, stimulants help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity in individuals with ADHD.

What To Expect When Starting Stimulants

Quick Acting: Unlike some other psychiatric medications, stimulants often start working quickly, sometimes within 30 to 60 minutes.

Dosage Adjustments: Finding the right dosage is an important part of the process and involves careful monitoring and adjustment over time to ensure the medication is working effectively and safely.

Possible Side Effects: Some people may experience side effects like decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, or increased heart rate. Your psychiatrist will work with you to manage any side effects.

Common Types of Stimulants

Some well-known stimulants include:

Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine (Adderall): Known for its effectiveness in increasing attention and reducing impulsiveness and hyperactivity.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta): A frequently prescribed stimulant that helps improve focus and control behavior.

Stimulants: Not One-Size-Fits-All

It’s important to note that stimulants don’t have the same effect on everyone. While they can significantly improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD, they may not be suitable or effective for everyone. Regular follow-ups with your psychiatrist are key to finding the right medication and dosage.

970

people around the world are living with a mental disorder with anxiety and depression being the most common.

54%

of all people never receive the care they need.
Myth: There is no hope for people with mental health issues.

90%

of people who were treated for mental health disorders have reported gaining relief from their symptoms.

Commonly Prescribed Medications

We take great care in evaluating your unique needs, symptoms, and medical history to prescribe the best medication for you. We consider factors like potential side effects, effectiveness, and how the medication interacts with your body. Our personalized approach ensures that you’re on the right path toward wellness, with a treatment plan tailored specifically to support your journey to better mental health.
Prozac (Fluoxetine)
Prozac, or fluoxetine, works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior.

Fluoxetine belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, which increases the levels of serotonin available for nerve cells to use.

By increasing serotonin levels, fluoxetine helps improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other related conditions. It typically takes several weeks of consistent use for fluoxetine to reach its full effect.

Zoloft (Sertraline)
Zoloft, or sertraline, is also a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like Prozac. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior.

Sertraline blocks the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, which leads to higher levels of serotonin being available for nerve cells to use. This increased serotonin activity can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other related conditions.

Like other SSRIs, it usually takes several weeks of consistent use for sertraline to reach its full effect. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional when taking sertraline or any other medication.

Lexapro (Escitalopram)
Lexapro, or escitalopram, is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior. Escitalopram blocks the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, which leads to higher levels of serotonin being available for nerve cells to use.

By increasing serotonin levels, escitalopram helps improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It typically takes several weeks of consistent use for escitalopram to reach its full effect. As with any medication, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional.

Effexor (Venlafaxine)
Effexor, or venlafaxine, is a type of antidepressant known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that play important roles in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior. Venlafaxine blocks the reabsorption (reuptake) of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which leads to higher levels of these neurotransmitters being available for nerve cells to use.

By increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, venlafaxine helps improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It usually takes several weeks of consistent use for venlafaxine to reach its full effect. As with any medication, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
Cymbalta, or duloxetine, is another type of antidepressant known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that play important roles in regulating mood, emotions, and pain perception. Duloxetine blocks the reabsorption (reuptake) of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which leads to higher levels of these neurotransmitters being available for nerve cells to use.

By increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, duloxetine helps improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is also used to treat certain types of chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain. As with any medication, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional.

Xanax (alprazolam)
Xanax, or alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine medication that works by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps calm nerve activity in the brain, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and produce a calming effect. Alprazolam binds to specific receptors on nerve cells in the brain that are sensitive to GABA, which enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA.

By increasing the activity of GABA, alprazolam helps reduce excessive brain activity and promote relaxation, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and panic disorders. Alprazolam is typically used for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to the potential for misuse and dependence.

Ativan (lorazepam)
Ativan, or lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine medication that works similarly to other drugs in its class. It enhances the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits or reduces the activity of nerve cells in the brain, leading to a calming or sedative effect. Lorazepam binds to specific receptors on nerve cells in the brain that are sensitive to GABA, which enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA.

By increasing the activity of GABA, lorazepam helps reduce excessive brain activity and promote relaxation, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. It is typically used for short-term relief of symptoms and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to the potential for misuse and dependence.

Buspar (Buspirone)
Buspar, or buspirone, is a medication used to treat anxiety disorders. Unlike benzodiazepines, which act on the GABA neurotransmitter system, buspirone has a different mechanism of action.

Buspirone is classified as a serotonin receptor agonist. It binds to serotonin receptors in the brain, specifically the 5-HT1A receptors. By binding to these receptors, buspirone can modulate serotonin activity in the brain, which may help reduce anxiety levels.

The exact way buspirone reduces anxiety is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve changes in serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels in certain areas of the brain. Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone is not associated with sedation or dependence, making it a useful option for long-term anxiety management.

Lamictal (lamotrigine)
Lamictal, or lamotrigine, is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve multiple effects on neurotransmitter systems in the brain.

One of the primary ways lamotrigine works is by blocking the release of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. By reducing the release of glutamate, lamotrigine helps stabilize electrical activity in the brain, which can reduce the likelihood of seizures in epilepsy and help stabilize mood in bipolar disorder.

Lamotrigine may also have effects on other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which could contribute to its mood-stabilizing effects in bipolar disorder.

It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional when taking lamotrigine or any other medication.

Elavil (Amitriptyline)
Elavil, or amitriptyline, is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that is primarily used to treat depression. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

Amitriptyline blocks the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, meaning it prevents the brain from reabsorbing them. This leads to higher levels of serotonin and norepinephrine being available in the brain, which can help improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression.

Additionally, amitriptyline also has anticholinergic properties, meaning it blocks the action of acetylcholine, another neurotransmitter.

Amitriptyline is also used off-label to treat other conditions, such as neuropathic pain, migraines, and insomnia, due to its effects on neurotransmitters and pain modulation pathways. As with any medication, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional.

Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
Wellbutrin, or bupropion, is an antidepressant medication that works by affecting the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine.

Bupropion is believed to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, meaning it prevents the brain from reabsorbing these neurotransmitters. This leads to higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine being available in the brain, which can help improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression.

Unlike many other antidepressants, bupropion does not significantly affect serotonin levels. This is why it is sometimes prescribed to people who have not responded well to other antidepressants that primarily target serotonin.

Bupropion is also used to help people quit smoking, as it can reduce the urge to smoke and help with nicotine withdrawal symptoms. As with any medication, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional.

Seroquel (Quetiapine)
Seroquel, or quetiapine, is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. It works by affecting the activity of several neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin.

Quetiapine is thought to primarily act as an antagonist (blocker) of dopamine receptors, particularly the D2 receptor. By blocking dopamine receptors, quetiapine helps to reduce the activity of dopamine in certain areas of the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms of psychosis and mania.

Additionally, quetiapine also acts as an antagonist at serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This action is believed to contribute to its antidepressant effects, as increasing serotonin activity is associated with improved mood.

Quetiapine is also known for its sedative effects, which are believed to be due to its antagonism of histamine receptors in the brain.

Overall, the precise mechanism of action of quetiapine is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of effects on dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitter systems in the brain. As with any medication, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional.

Celexa (Citalopram)
Celexa, or citalopram, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and sometimes other conditions like panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety disorders. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that affects mood.

Citalopram blocks the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin by certain nerve cells in the brain. This leads to an increase in the amount of serotonin available, which can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

By increasing serotonin levels, citalopram can help regulate emotions and improve feelings of well-being. It typically takes several weeks of consistent use for citalopram to reach its full effect. As with any medication, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional.

Paxil (Paroxetine)
Paxil, or paroxetine, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other conditions. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that affects mood.

Paroxetine blocks the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin by certain nerve cells in the brain. This leads to an increase in the amount of serotonin available, which can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other related conditions.

By increasing serotonin levels, paroxetine can help regulate emotions and improve feelings of well-being. It typically takes several weeks of consistent use for paroxetine to reach its full effect. As with any medication, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional.

Abilify (Aripiprazole)
Abilify, or aripiprazole, is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and irritability associated with autism. It works by affecting the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin.

Aripiprazole is known as a dopamine partial agonist. This means that it acts as both a partial agonist and antagonist at dopamine receptors in the brain, depending on the level of dopamine present. In areas of the brain where dopamine activity is low, aripiprazole acts as a partial agonist, stimulating dopamine receptors to help normalize dopamine levels. In areas where dopamine activity is high, such as in schizophrenia, aripiprazole acts as an antagonist, blocking the excess dopamine activity.

Aripiprazole also has activity at serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT1A receptor. This action is believed to contribute to its antidepressant effects.

Overall, aripiprazole’s mechanism of action is complex and not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of effects on dopamine and serotonin neurotransmission. As with any medication, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional.

Trazodone (Desyrel)
Trazodone, sold under the brand name Desyrel among others, is a medication primarily used to treat major depressive disorder. It is also sometimes used off-label to treat insomnia and anxiety disorders. Trazodone belongs to a class of medications called serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs).

Trazodone works by modulating the activity of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that is involved in regulating mood, sleep, and anxiety. It inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, similar to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increases the levels of serotonin available in the brain. This action is thought to help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

Additionally, trazodone also blocks certain serotonin receptors, specifically the 5-HT2A receptor. By blocking this receptor, trazodone may help to further increase serotonin levels and improve mood.

Trazodone also has sedative effects, which is why it is sometimes used off-label to treat insomnia. Its sedative effects are believed to be due to its antagonism of histamine receptors in the brain.

As with any medication, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional.

Depakote (Divalproex)
Depakote, or divalproex sodium, is a medication primarily used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It is also sometimes used off-label to prevent migraines. Depakote works by affecting the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate.

The exact mechanism of action of Depakote is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve several effects on neurotransmitter systems in the brain. One of the main ways Depakote works is by increasing the levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits or reduces the activity of nerve cells in the brain. This can help stabilize electrical activity in the brain, which can reduce the likelihood of seizures in epilepsy and help stabilize mood in bipolar disorder.

Depakote also affects the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is involved in the transmission of nerve signals. By modulating glutamate levels, Depakote may help to further stabilize mood and reduce symptoms of mania in bipolar disorder.

Overall, Depakote’s mechanism of action is complex and not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of effects on neurotransmitters and electrical activity in the brain. As with any medication, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional.

Vistaril (Hydroxyzine)
Vistaril, or hydroxyzine, is an antihistamine medication that is used to treat anxiety and tension, nausea and vomiting, and itching caused by allergies. It is also sometimes used as a sedative before and after general anesthesia.

Hydroxyzine works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that is involved in allergic reactions. By blocking histamine, hydroxyzine can help reduce itching and other allergic symptoms.

In addition to its antihistamine effects, hydroxyzine also has sedative properties. It acts as a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows down the activity of the brain and spinal cord. This sedative effect can help reduce anxiety and tension and promote relaxation.

Overall, hydroxyzine’s mechanism of action involves both its antihistamine effects and its sedative properties. As with any medication, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional.

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