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Healthy Children > Health Issues > Conditions > Treatments > Common Medications for Psychiatric Disorders
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Common Medications for Psychiatric Disorders

Many psychiatric conditions are commonly treated with medication. Here's an overview.

Obsessive-Compulsive Diso​rder

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRIs): fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Atypical antipsychotic agents: risperidone (Risperdal), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon), Valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

  • Stimulants: methylphenidate (Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Methylin, Focalin, Focalin XR, Concerta, Metadate CD, Daytrana), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall, Adderall XR)
  • Alpha-2 agonists: clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay), guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv)
    Atomoxetine (Strattera)
  • Atypical antipsychotic agents: risperidone (Risperdal), aripiprazole (Abilify), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon)

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (aggression, irritability, self-injury)

  • Atypical antipsychotic agents: risperidone (Risperdal), aripiprazole (Abilify), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon)
  • Alpha-2 agonists: clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay), guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv)
  • Anticonvulsant mood stabilizers: valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote), topiramate (Topamax)
  • SSRIs: fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Beta blockers: propranolol (Inderal), nadolol (Corgard), metoprolol (Lopressor), pindolol (Visken)

Sleep Disturbances

  • Melatonin agonists: melatonin, ramelteon (Rozerem)
  • Antihistamines: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)
  • Alpha-2 agonists: clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay), guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv)
  • Atypical antidepressants: mirtazapine (Remeron), trazodone (Desyrel)

Anxiety

  • SSRIs: fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), Buspirone (Buspar), Mirtazapine (Remeron), duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Depression

  • SSRIs: fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Atypical antidepressants: bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron)

Bipolar Disorder

  • Anticonvulsant mood stabilizers: lamotrigine (Lamictal), valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote), gabapentin (Neurontin)
  • Atypical antipsychotic agents: Lithium, risperidone (Risperdal), aripiprazole (Abilify), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel),
    Lithium​

Last Updated
7/8/2015
Source
Adapted from Autism Spectrum Disorders: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Copyright © American Academy of Pediatrics 2012)
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
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