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MEDICATIONSCommon Medications by Type/Purpose Got a medication or correction that belongs here? Let me know!
Health-On-Net Code of Conduct: The data offered here is from a NON-medically qualified individual or organization. The information provided is designed to support, NOT replace, the relationship that exists between a patient and physician. Wherever possible, information is supported with links to source data. This web-site is NOT funded by any commercial entity (drug manufacturer, advertiser, medical organization, nor private medical practice). It is currently solely funded as a private volunteer effort. CAUTION: Some newly approved drugs by the FDA have turned out to have an extreme sedative effect on a few patients. (Officially, the FDA has approved only three for bipolar use: Depakote, Lithium, Zyprexa.) There are several families of medications and chemicals that affect the brain (see Glossary). Medications can typically have 'side affects' (some nominal, some good, some bad). Each medication must be carefully prescribed and monitored over the long term. This is not an exhaustive list but commonly prescribed. Each person is a unique case. Most of these medications were not available ten years ago and something not working may have an alternate. Different brand names (and web links) for the same chemical compound are listed on one line followed by the chemical nomenclature. Medication information has also been extracted from NAMI and NDMD literature. Further medication data is available from the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association, the overall Top 200 Medications prescribed, or the valuable Psychoactive Drugs (arranged by diagnosis). Click here for Papers on Medications by NAMI. BIPOLAR WARNING: Steroids, hallucingenic drugs, or head trauma can act as a trigger for BiPolar. Drug addiction is one progressive sign of mental illness. Do NOT treat Bipolar disorder solely with anti-depressants. Bipolar patients also need a mood stabilizer. Having TROUBLE paying for Meds? Try: PhRMA (Phramaceutical Research and Manufacturers of Amrica). This on-line service is FREE and completely confidential. Medication Categories (adapted from Blue Cross of California formulary list 6/2002) ANXIETY and SEDATION"Anxiety: An abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear, often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it." - (c)1987,Merriam-Webster (Dictionary)
CONVULSIONS and PARKINSONMood Stabilizers: These anti-convulsants also combat the manic phase of manic-depressive illness (bipolar). GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve-cell excitation.
DEPRESSIONSSRI and SSNRI Anti-depressantsSSRI medications are Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors. Also used for: Panic Disorder, OCD, Bulimia. It takes 3 weeks for SSRIs to take effect.Kaiser Health, as of 6/7/99, tends to use SSRI medications the most for anti-depressants. Since the mid-90's, these have been the first line of treatment. SSNRI mediations are the newer Selective Serotonin Noradrenergic Re-Uptake Inhibitors Side-effects of these may include some of these sometimes-opposite symptoms: loss of appetite, weight gain, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, tremor, insomnia, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, flushing, sweating, dry mouth, diminished sexual drive. WARNING: Do NOT treat Bipolar disorder solely with anti-depressants. Bipolar patients also need a mood stabilizer.
These are the mid-1990's SSRIs: MAO Inhibitor Anti-depressantsMAOI are Monamine Oxidase Inhibitors and an older class of medications.Affects serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Also used for: Panic Disorder. Side-effects: These older medications, in general, have dangerous interactions with aged wines or cheeses. Do not use with Zoloft, Celexa, Remeron, or Metadate.
Tricyclic-Heterocyclic Anti-depressants (TCA)Affects either serotonin and norepinephrine depending on medication. Also used for: Panic Disorder, OCD Side-effects of these Tricyclic's may include some of these sometimes-opposite symptoms: dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty urinating, increased sweating, decreased sweating, rapid heart rate, dizziness when standing up, drowsiness, weight gain, impotence.
First generation of cyclics: Tetracyclic Anti-depressants
Atypical Anti-depressantsThese are the second generation of cyclics for those who did not respond well to the older medications.
MANIA
PSYCHOTIC"Psychosis(n): Fundamental mental derangement (as paranoia) characterized by defective or lost contact with reality - psychotic (adj or n)" - (c)1987,Merriam-Webster (Dictionary)Atypical Anti-psychoticsAffects dopamine and serotonin in the brain. It takes 4 to 6 weeks for antipsychotics to take effect.
Neuroleptics (Atypical Anti-psychotics)These are used for symptoms of highly disorganized thinking and/or catatonic behavior. Nicotine appears to quiet the voices and over 90% of schizophrnia patients tend to smoke. However smoking, like self-medicating, is an unhealthy and imprecise delivery mechanism of nicotine.
Older Conventional (Typical) Anti-psychoticsOlder conventional (known as 'Typical') are more likely to cause neurologic side effects that often make people uncomfortable. As a result, many use Atypical medications instead.
STIMULANTSThese central nervous system stimulants paradoxically also slow down a person with ADD/ADHD - Always AVOID with use of MOA Inhibitors
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