Psychiatric Medication Names: A Guide to Brand Names and Active IngredientsKnow your medication: its generic name, its class, and why it is prescribed

1Brand name and active ingredient: what is the difference?

The active ingredient is the component that works in the body, and it has a single scientific name worldwide. The brand name is what each company chooses for its product. That is why you may find several boxes of one ingredient in the pharmacy with different names and prices. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, a generic medication must contain the same active ingredient in the same strength and form of administration, and must work in the body in the same way, even if inactive ingredients such as color and shape differ.

2The major classes of psychiatric medication

3Common antidepressant names

Antidepressants work mainly on serotonin and norepinephrine, and you will find an explanation of their types and when they start working in the antidepressants guide. These are the best-known names:

4Antipsychotic and mood stabilizer names

Antipsychotics are used in schizophrenia and manic episodes, and some are used in treatment-resistant depression. Mood stabilizers are the core medications in treating bipolar disorder, and many of them were originally epilepsy medications.

5Sedatives, sleeping pills and anxiety medications

This group is the most associated with a risk of dependence, especially the benzodiazepines, which is why they are prescribed for short periods and with follow-up. Buspirone is an exception, as it does not act on the same receptors.

6Stimulants and other medications a psychiatrist may prescribe

Methadone and buprenorphine are also used to treat opioid dependence within organized medical programs, and they must not be used outside them.

7Do psychiatric medicines cause addiction?

The answer differs from one class to another. Antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers do not cause addiction in the medical sense, although stopping them suddenly can cause discontinuation symptoms or a relapse. Sedatives, sleeping pills and stimulants, however, may cause dependence with long-term or uncontrolled use. You will find the details for each type in the guide Do Psychiatric Medications Cause Addiction?.

8A detailed guide to each psychiatric medication

Each of the medications mentioned here has its own page explaining its uses, side effects, and how to stop it safely:

9Safe rules for using any psychiatric medication

• Keep a written list of all your medications by their generic names, and show it to every doctor and pharmacist.
• Do not start or stop any psychiatric medication without a doctor, even if you have improved.
• Do not take a medication prescribed by a doctor for someone else, however similar the symptoms.
• Avoid alcohol and any additional sedative without consultation.
• Tell the doctor about any pregnancy, breastfeeding or chronic illness before starting.
• See the doctor if a troublesome side effect appears, instead of stopping on your own.

10When do you need to see a psychiatrist right away?

If suicidal thoughts or a desire to harm yourself appear, or a sudden change in behavior such as unusual impulsiveness or agitation, or a skin rash with fever, or fever with severe muscle stiffness and confusion, these symptoms do not wait for the next appointment. And if you find yourself raising the dose of a sedative or stimulant on your own, that is a sign worth a calm assessment.

At Eradah Psychiatric Hospital, the doctor reviews your full list of medications and adjusts them within a treatment plan that includes psychotherapy, whether in the outpatient clinics or through residential stay when needed, with a dual diagnosis program for people who have both a mental illness and substance use. The first consultation is free and confidential.