not sure how these medications affect a child’s
nimh .nih .gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-
growing body . Still, a doctor can give a young
person an FDA-approved medication on an “off-
label” basis . This means that the doctor prescribes
Older adults
the medication to help the patient even though the
Because older people often have more medical
medicine is not approved for the specific mental
problems than other groups, they tend to
disorder or age .
take more medications than younger people,
For these reasons, it is important to watch young
including prescribed, over-the-counter, and herbal
people who take these medications . Young people
medications . As a result, older people have a
may have different reactions and side effects
higher risk for experiencing bad drug interactions,
than adults . Also, some medications, including
missing doses, or overdosing .
antidepressants and ADHD medications, carry
FDA warnings about potentially dangerous side
Older people also tend to be more sensitive to
effects for young people . See the sections on
medications . Even healthy older people react to
antidepressants and ADHD medications for more
medications differently than younger people because
information about these warnings .
their bodies process it more slowly . Therefore, lower
or less frequent doses may be needed .
More research is needed on how these medications
affect children and adolescents . NIMH has
Sometimes memory problems affect older people
funded studies on this topic . For example, NIMH
who take medications for mental disorders . An
funded the Preschoolers with ADHD Treatment
older adult may forget his or her regular dose
Study (PATS), which involved 300 preschoolers
and take too much or not enough . A good way to
(3 to 5 years old) diagnosed with ADHD . The
keep track of medicine is to use a seven-day pill
14
National Institute of Mental Health
box, which can be bought at any pharmacy . At
consult with her doctor to decide whether to return
the beginning of each week, older adults and their
to a full dose during the period when she is most
caregivers fill the box so that it is easy to remember vulnerable to postpartum depression .
what medicine to take . Many pharmacies also have
Some medications should not be taken during
pillboxes with sections for medications that must
pregnancy . Benzodiazepines may cause birth
be taken more than once a day .
defects or other infant problems, especially if
taken during the first trimester . Mood stabilizers
Women who are pregnant or may
are known to cause birth defects . Benzodiazepines
become pregnant
and lithium have been shown to cause “floppy baby
The research on the use of psychiatric medications
syndrome,” which is when a baby is drowsy and
during pregnancy is limited . The risks are different
limp, and cannot breathe or feed well .
depending on what medication is taken, and at what Research suggests that taking antipsychotic point during the pregnancy the medication is taken . medications during pregnancy can lead to birth Research has shown that antidepressants, especially defects, especially if they are taken during the SSRIs, are safe during pregnancy . Birth defects
first trimester . But results vary widely depending
or other problems are possible, but they are very
on the type of antipsychotic . The conventional
rare .18,19
antipsychotic haloperidol has been studied more
However, antidepressant medications do cross
than others, and has been found not to cause birth
the placental barrier and may reach the fetus .
defects .23,24
Some research suggests the use of SSRIs during
After the baby is born, women and their doctors
pregnancy is associated with miscarriage or birth
should watch for postpartum depression, especially
defects, but other studies do not support this .20
if they stopped taking their medication during
Studies have also found that fetuses exposed to
pregnancy . In addition, women who nurse while
SSRIs during the third trimester may be born
taking psychiatric medications should know that
with “withdrawal” symptoms such as breathing
a small amount of the medication passes into the
problems, jitteriness, irritability, trouble feeding, or breast milk . However, the medication may or may hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) .
not affect the baby . It depends on the medication
Most studies have found that these symptoms in
and when it is taken . Women taking psychiatric
babies are generally mild and short-lived, and no
medications and who intend to breastfeed should
deaths have been reported . On the flip side, women discuss the potential risks and benefits with their who stop taking their antidepressant medication
doctors .
during pregnancy may get depression again and
Decisions on medication should be based on each
may put both themselves and their infant at risk .20,21 woman’s needs and circumstances . Medications In 2004, the FDA issued a warning against the use
should be selected based on available scientific
of certain antidepressants in the late third trimester . research, and they should be taken at the lowest The warning said that doctors may want to
possible dose . Pregnant women should be watched
gradually taper pregnant women off antidepressants closely throughout their pregnancy and after in the third trimester so that the baby is not
delivery .
affected .22 After a woman delivers, she should
Mental Health Medications
15
What should I ask my doctor if I am prescribed a
psychiatric medication?
• Will it interact with other medications I take?
•
You and your family can help your
doctor find the right medications for
Do I need to avoid any types of food or drink
you . The doctor needs to know your
while taking the medication? What should I
medical history; family history; information about
avoid?
allergies; other medications, supplements or herbal
• Should it be taken with or without food?
remedies you take; and other details about your
• Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking this
overall health . You or a family member should
medication?
ask the following questions when a medication is
• What are the side effects? What should I do
prescribed:
if I experience them?
• What is the name of the medication?
• Is the Patient Package Insert for the
• What is the medication supposed to do?
medication available?
• How and when should I take it?
After taking the medication for a short time, tell
• How much should I take?
your doctor how you feel, if you are having side
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
effects, and any concerns you have about the
• When and how should I stop taking it?
medicine .
16
National Institute of Mental Health
Alphabetical List of Medications
This section identifies antipsychotic The first chart lists the medications by trade name; medications, antidepressant medications,
the second chart lists the medications by generic
mood stabilizers, anticonvulsant medications, name. If your medication does not appear in this anti-anxiety medications, and ADHD medications.
section, refer to the FDA website (http://www.fda.
Some medications are marketed under trade names,
gov). Also, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more not all of which can be listed in this publication.
information about any medication.
Medications Organized by Trade Name
Trade Name
Generic Name
FDA Approved Age
Combination Antipsychotic and Antidepressant Medication
Symbyax (Prozac & Zyprexa)
fluoxetine & olanzapine 18 and older
Antipsychotic Medications
Abilify
aripiprazole
10 and older for bipolar disorder, manic, or
mixed episodes; 13 to 17 for schizophrenia
and bipolar
Clozaril
clozapine
18 and older
Fanapt
iloperidone
18 and older
fluphenazine (generic only)
fluphenazine
18 and older
Geodon
ziprasidone
18 and older
Haldol
haloperidol
3 and older
Invega
paliperidone
18 and older
Loxitane
loxapine
18 and older
Moban
molindone
18 and older
Navane
thiothixene
18 and older
Orap (for Tourette’s syndrome)
pimozide
12 and older
perphenazine (generic only)
perphenazine
18 and older
Risperdal
risperidone
13 and older for schizophrenia; 10 and older
for bipolar mania and mixed episodes; 5 to
16 for irritability associated with autism
Seroquel
quetiapine
13 and older for schizophrenia; 18 and older
for bipolar; 10 to 17 for treatment of manic
and mixed episodes of bipolar disorder
Stelazine
trifluoperazine
18 and older
thioridazine (generic only)
thioridazine
2 and older
Thorazine
chlorpromazine
18 and older
Zyprexa
olanzapine
18 and older; ages 13 to 17 as second line
treatment for manic or mixed episodes of
bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
Mental Health Medications
17
Trade Name
Generic Name
FDA Approved Age
Antidepressant Medications (also used for anxiety disorders) Anafranil (tricyclic)
clomipramine
10 and older (for OCD only)
Asendin
amoxapine
18 and older
Aventyl (tricyclic)
nortriptyline
18 and older
Celexa (SSRI)
citalopram
18 and older
Cymbalta (SNRI)
duloxetine
18 and older
Desyrel
trazodone
18 and older
Effexor (SNRI)
venlafaxine
18 and older
Elavil (tricyclic)
amitriptyline
18 and older
Emsam
selegiline
18 and older
Lexapro (SSRI)
escitalopram
18 and older; 12 to 17 (for
major depressive disorder)
Ludiomil (tricyclic)
maprotiline
18 and older
Luvox (SSRI)
fluvoxamine
8 and older (for OCD only)
Marplan (MAOI)
isocarboxazid
18 and older
Nardil (MAOI)
phenelzine
18 and older
Norpramin (tricyclic)
desipramine
18 and older
Pamelor (tricyclic)
nortriptyline
18 and older
Parnate (MAOI)
tranylcypromine
18 and older
Paxil (SSRI)
paroxetine
18 and older
Pexeva (SSRI)
paroxetine-mesylate
18 and older
Pristiq (SNRI)
desvenlafaxine
18 and older
Prozac (SSRI)
fluoxetine
8 and older
Remeron
mirtazapine
18 and older
Sarafem (SSRI)
fluoxetine
18 and older for premenstrual
dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Sinequan (tricyclic)
doxepin
12 and older
Surmontil (tricyclic)
trimipramine
18 and older
Tofranil (tricyclic)
imipramine
6 and older (for bedwetting)
Tofranil-PM (tricyclic)
imipramine pamoate
18 and older
Vivactil (tricyclic)
protriptyline
18 and older
Wellbutrin
bupropion
18 and older
Zoloft (SSRI)
sertraline
6 and older (for OCD only)
18
National Institute of Mental Health
Trade Name
Generic Name
FDA Approved Age
Mood Stabilizing and Anticonvulsant Medications
Depakote
divalproex sodium (valproic acid)
2 and older (for seizures)
Eskalith
lithium carbonate
12 and older
Lamictal
lamotrigine
18 and older
lithium citrate (generic only)
lithium citrate
12 and older
Lithobid
lithium carbonate
12 and older
Neurontin
gabapentin
18 and older
Tegretol
carbamazepine
any age (for seizures)
Topamax
topiramate
18 and older
Trileptal
oxcarbazepine
4 and older
Anti-anxiety Medications
(All of these anti-anxiety medications are benzodiazepines, except BuSpar) Ativan
lorazepam
18 and older
BuSpar
buspirone
18 and older
Klonopin
clonazepam
18 and older
Librium
chlordiazepoxide
18 and older
oxazepam (generic only)
oxazepam
18 and older
Tranxene
clorazepate
18 and older
Valium
diazepam
18 and older
Xanax
alprazolam
18 and older
Mental Health Medications
19
Trade Name
Generic Name
FDA Approved Age
ADHD Medications
(All of these ADHD medications are stimulants, except Intuniv and Straterra.) Adderall
amphetamine
3 and older
Adderall XR
amphetamine (extended release)
6 and older
Concerta
methylphenidate (long acting)
6 and older
Daytrana
methylphenidate patch
6 and older
Desoxyn
methamphetamine
6 and older
Dexedrine
dextroamphetamine
3 and older
Dextrostat
dextroamphetamine
3 and older
Focalin
dexmethylphenidate
6 and older
Focalin XR
dexmethylphenidate (extended release)
6 and older
Intuniv
guanfacine
6 and older
Metadate ER
methylphenidate (extended release)
6 and older
Metadate CD
methylphenidate (extended release)
6 and older
Methylin
methylphenidate (oral solution and
6 and older
chewable tablets)
Ritalin
methylphenidate
6 and older
Ritalin SR
methylphenidate (extended release)
6 and older
Ritalin LA
methylphenidate (long-acting)
6 and older
Strattera
atomoxetine
6 and older
Vyvanse
lisdexamfetamine dimesylate
6 and older
20
National Institute of Mental Health
Medications Organized by Generic Name
Generic Name
Trade Name
FDA Approved Age
Combination Antipsychotic and Antidepressant Medication
fluoxetine & olanzapine
Symbyax (Prozac & Zyprexa)
18 and older
Antipsychotic Medications
aripiprazole
Abilify
10 and older for bipolar disorder,
manic, or mixed episodes; 13 to 17
for schizophrenia and bipolar
chlorpromazine
Thorazine
18 and older
clozapine
Clozaril
18 and older
fluphenazine (generic only)
fluphenazine
18 and older
haloperidol
Haldol
3 and older
iloperidone
Fanapt
18 and older
loxapine
Loxitane
18 and older
molindone
Moban
18 and older
olanzapine
Zyprexa
18 and older; ages 13 to 17 as
second line treatment for manic
or mixed episodes of bipolar
disorder and schizophrenia
paliperidone
Invega
18 and older
perphenazine (generic only)
perphenazine
18 and older
pimozide (for Tourette’s
Orap
12 and older
syndrome)
quetiapine
Seroquel
13 and older for schizophrenia;
18 and older for bipolar; 10 to 17
for treatment of manic and mixed
episodes of bipolar disorder
risperidone
Risperdal
13 and older for schizophrenia;
10 and older for bipolar mania
and mixed episodes; 5 to 16 for
irritability associated with autism
thioridazine (generic only)
thioridazine
2 and older
thiothixene
Navane
18 and older
trifluoperazine
Stelazine
18 and older
ziprasidone
Geodon
18 and older
Mental Health Medications
21
Generic Name
Trade Name
FDA Approved Age
Antidepressant Medications (also used for anxiety disorders) amitriptyline (tricyclic)
Elavil
18 and older
amoxapine
Asendin
18 and older
bupropion
Wellbutrin
18 and older
citalopram (SSRI)
Celexa
18 and older
clomipramine (tricyclic)
Anafranil
10 and older (for OCD only)
desipramine (tricyclic)
Norpramin
18 and older
desvenlafaxine (SNRI)
Pristiq
18 and older
doxepin (tricyclic)
Sinequan
12 and older
duloxetine (SNRI)
Cymbalta
18 and older
escitalopram (SSRI)
Lexapro
18 and older; 12 to 17 (for major
depressive disorder)
fluoxetine (SSRI)
Prozac
8 and older
fluoxetine (SSRI)
Sarafem
18 and older for premenstrual
dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
fluvoxamine (SSRI)
Luvox
8 and older (for OCD only)
imipramine (tricyclic)
Tofranil
6 and older (for bedwetting)
imipramine pamoate (tricyclic)
Tofranil-PM
18 and older
isocarboxazid (MAOI)
Marplan
18 and older
maprotiline (tricyclic)
Ludiomil
18 and older
mirtazapine
Remeron
18 and older
nortriptyline (tricyclic)
Aventyl, Pamelor
18 and older
paroxetine (SSRI)
Paxil
18 and older
paroxetine mesylate (SSRI)
Pexeva
18 and older
phenelzine (MAOI)
Nardil
18 and older
protriptyline (tricyclic)
Vivactil
18 and older
selegiline
Emsam
18 and older
sertraline (SSRI)
Zoloft
6 and older (for OCD only)
tranylcypromine (MAOI)
Parnate
18 and older
trazodone
Desyrel
18 and older
trimipramine (tricyclic)
Surmontil
18 and older
venlafaxine (SNRI)
Effexor
18 and older
22
National Institute of Mental Health
Generic Name
Trade Name
FDA Approved Age
Mood Stabilizing and Anticonvulsant Medications
carbamazepine
Tegretol
any age (for seizures)
divalproex sodium (valproic acid) Depakote
2 and older (for seizures)
gabapentin
Neurontin
18 and older
lamotrigine
Lamictal
18 and older
lithium carbonate
Eskalith, Lithobid
12 and older
lithium citrate (generic only)
lithium citrate
12 and older
oxcarbazepine
Trileptal
4 and older
topiramate
Topamax
18 and older
Anti-anxiety Medications
(All of these anti-anxiety medicati