FDA-approved prescription medications for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. All medications should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare provider.
Acamprosate is a synthetic amino acid derivative that helps normalize the imbalance between excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABA) signaling that develops after long-term alcohol use. By modulating glutamatergic transmission, it reduces the brain hyperexcitability associated with early abstinence.
Starting Dose
666 mg three times daily
Usual Range
1998 mg/day
Primary Use
Maintenance of abstinence in alcohol use disorder after detoxification is complete and abstinence is achieved.
Onset
Clinical benefit generally eme...
Agomelatine is a novel antidepressant that acts as an agonist at melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors and as an antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2C receptors. Through this dual action it helps resynchronize circadian rhythms and indirectly increases norepinephrine and dopamine release in the frontal cortex, contributing to its antidepressant effects.
Starting Dose
25 mg once daily at bedtime
Usual Range
50 mg/day
Primary Use
Major Depressive Disorder in adults
Onset
Initial antidepressant effects...
Xanax relieves severe anxiety and panic within an hour. Side effects include drowsiness and unsteadiness. Physical dependence can develop with regular use. Never mix with alcohol or opioids—this can be fatal. Best used short-term or as-needed.
Starting Dose
N/A
Usual Range
N/A
Primary Use
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent, excessive worry that's hard to control
Onset
Xanax is one of the fastest an...
Amisulpride is a substituted benzamide atypical antipsychotic. It selectively antagonizes dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, with relative limbic selectivity. At lower doses (around 50–300 mg/day), it preferentially blocks presynaptic D2/D3 receptors, enhancing dopaminergic transmission and improving negative symptoms. At higher doses (approximately 400–1,200 mg/day), it predominantly blocks postsynaptic receptors, which helps reduce positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
Starting Dose
Individualized based on symptom type and severity.
Usual Range
N/A
Primary Use
Treatment of acute or chronic Schizophrenia.
Onset
After an oral dose, amisulprid...
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) first introduced in 1961. It primarily inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic neuron and has potent antihistaminic and anticholinergic effects. It remains a benchmark antidepressant and is also widely used at lower doses for chronic pain and migraine prophylaxis. Due to its narrow therapeutic index, cardiotoxicity in overdose, and anticholinergic burden, amitriptyline is usually considered an alternative rather than first-line option for depression, particularly in older adults.
Starting Dose
N/A
Usual Range
N/A
Primary Use
Treatment of major depressive disorder (unipolar) in adults.
Onset
Initial antidepressant effects...
Limbitrol combines amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant that blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, with chlordiazepoxide, a benzodiazepine that enhances GABAergic neurotransmission. It is indicated for moderate to severe depression associated with moderate to severe anxiety and is generally used short term. Because of suicidality warnings, dependence and withdrawal risks, and serious additive respiratory depression when combined with opioids or other CNS depressants, it is now used less often and frequently replaced by safer regimens.
Starting Dose
3 or 4 tablets daily in one or more divided doses (each tablet containing amitriptyline 12.5 mg with chlordiazepoxide 5 mg, or amitriptyline 25 mg with chlordiazepoxide 10 mg).
Usual Range
2 to 6 tablets daily in one or more divided doses.
Primary Use
Treatment of moderate to severe Major Depressive Disorder associated with moderate to severe anxiety.
Onset
Limbitrol combines a fast-acti...
Amoxapine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) and dibenzoxazepine derivative that blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. One of its active metabolites also blocks dopamine receptors, giving it some antipsychotic-like effects. Because of its side-effect profile and boxed warning about suicidality in younger patients, it is generally reserved for treatment-resistant depression or depression with psychotic features when newer antidepressants are not effective or not tolerated.
Starting Dose
Typical starting dose: 25–50 mg by mouth 1 to 3 times daily.
Usual Range
Outpatient maximum: 400 mg/day. In hospitalized patients without a seizure history who have not responded to 300 mg/day for at least 2 weeks, doses up to 600 mg/day in divided doses have been used.
Primary Use
Major Depressive Disorder (unipolar)
Onset
Early mood changes may appear ...
Aniracetam is a fat-soluble racetam nootropic structurally related to piracetam. It appears to positively modulate AMPA-type glutamate receptors and enhance cholinergic neurotransmission. In older adults with degenerative or vascular cognitive impairment, 1,500 mg/day has shown statistically significant but modest benefits versus placebo on standardized cognitive tests and, in some trials, advantages over piracetam. Evidence for use in healthy adults is limited and inconsistent, and aniracetam is not approved for medical use in the United States.
Starting Dose
750 mg by mouth twice daily with food (typical regimen in dementia/vascular cognitive impairment studies).
Usual Range
1,500 mg/day in divided doses (e.g., 750 mg BID).
Primary Use
Cognitive impairment and attention/memory disorders of degenerative or vascular origin in older adults (approved in some countries).
Onset
Aniracetam’s parent compound h...
Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic that helps stabilize mood and psychosis by partially stimulating and blocking certain dopamine and serotonin receptors. It is used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and as an add-on for major depression, as well as irritability in autism and Tourette disorder. It tends to cause less weight gain, metabolic change, and sedation than some other antipsychotics, but can cause akathisia (inner restlessness), impulse-control problems, and metabolic side effects. Long-acting injections are available for maintenance treatment.
Starting Dose
N/A
Usual Range
N/A
Primary Use
Schizophrenia: Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and social withdrawal
Onset
Aripiprazole is not a quick "a...
Aripiprazole lauroxil is a long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia in adults. It’s given as an intramuscular injection every 4–8 weeks after tolerability to oral aripiprazole is confirmed. Aristada Initio is a special one-time loading injection used only for starting or re-starting Aristada. Like other antipsychotics, it carries a boxed warning for increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for that use.
Starting Dose
N/A
Usual Range
N/A
Primary Use
Schizophrenia: Long-term maintenance treatment after establishing tolerability to oral aripiprazole
Onset
Because Aristada is a long-act...
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) is a central nervous system stimulant–like wake-promoting agent used to improve daytime wakefulness in people with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). It is the R-enantiomer of modafinil and generally has a longer half-life. It is taken once daily in the morning for narcolepsy/OSA or about an hour before the work shift in SWSD. Serious but rare risks include Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), multiorgan hypersensitivity (DRESS), and mood or psychotic symptoms. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance with abuse and dependence potential.
Starting Dose
N/A
Usual Range
N/A
Primary Use
Narcolepsy: Reduces excessive daytime sleepiness and improves ability to stay awake.
Onset
Armodafinil is designed to cov...
Asenapine is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia in adults and acute manic or mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder (adults and children ≥10 years, sublingual formulation). It has high affinity for multiple serotonin, dopamine, alpha-adrenergic, and histamine receptors, with relatively low muscarinic activity. Unique features include sublingual-only absorption (tablet must dissolve under the tongue; swallowing greatly reduces bioavailability) and a once-daily transdermal patch option (Secuado) for adults with schizophrenia. It generally has a modest metabolic profile compared to some atypicals but carries typical antipsychotic risks such as extrapyramidal symptoms, weight gain, hyperglycemia, QT prolongation, and increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Starting Dose
N/A
Usual Range
N/A
Primary Use
Schizophrenia (adults): Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and negative symptoms.
Onset
Some effects show up quickly, ...
Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) approved for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults. Unlike stimulants, it has no abuse potential and is not a controlled substance. Atomoxetine is generally reserved for patients who do not tolerate or respond adequately to stimulants, or when stimulants are contraindicated (eg, substance use disorders, tics, or Tourette syndrome). It is taken orally once or twice daily and may take several weeks to reach full effect. Key safety issues include a boxed warning for increased suicidal ideation in children and adolescents, dose-related increases in heart rate and blood pressure, rare but sometimes severe hepatotoxicity, possible growth suppression in pediatric patients, and rare priapism.
Starting Dose
N/A
Usual Range
N/A
Primary Use
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children ≥6 years, adolescents, and adults: Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity across home, school, and work settings.
Onset
Atomoxetine builds up graduall...
Baclofen is a GABA-B receptor agonist and skeletal muscle relaxant approved for spasticity, but widely studied off-label for alcohol use disorder (AUD). For some people with AUD, especially those with severe cravings or high-risk drinking who do not respond to naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram, baclofen can reduce craving and help maintain abstinence or lower-risk drinking. Evidence is mixed: some randomized trials show benefit, others are neutral, and effect sizes are modest overall. Treatment typically starts at a low dose (5 mg three times daily) and is slowly increased based on response and tolerability. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue. Abruptly stopping high-dose baclofen can cause serious withdrawal, so tapering must be gradual.
Starting Dose
N/A
Usual Range
N/A
Primary Use
Alcohol Use Disorder: Off-label option to reduce craving, urge to drink, and heavy drinking episodes.
Onset
Baclofen does not work instant...
Brexanolone is an intravenous positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors and the first medication specifically approved for postpartum depression (PPD). It is given as a one-time, 60-hour continuous infusion in a certified health care setting under the ZULRESSO REMS program. In clinical trials, many patients experienced rapid improvement in depressive symptoms within days, with benefits that often persisted for weeks. However, brexanolone can cause excessive sedation and sudden loss of consciousness, requiring continuous pulse oximetry and frequent sedation checks. Patients must be accompanied during interactions with their children throughout the infusion.
Starting Dose
N/A
Usual Range
N/A
Primary Use
Postpartum Depression (PPD) in patients ≥15 years of age with moderate to severe symptoms.
Onset
Brexanolone is designed to wor...
Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic and serotonin–dopamine activity modulator. It is FDA-approved for schizophrenia in adults and adolescents ≥13 years, adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults, and agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer disease in adults. Compared with aripiprazole, brexpiprazole has lower intrinsic activity at D2 receptors and higher affinity for 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, which may translate into somewhat less akathisia and a “smoother” tolerability profile for some patients. Like all antipsychotics, it carries boxed warnings for increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis and increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Starting Dose
N/A
Usual Range
2 mg once daily.
Primary Use
Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents ≥13 years
Onset
Brexpiprazole has a long half-...
Bromazepam is an anti-anxiety medicine in the benzodiazepine family. It is used in many countries (but not the United States) for short-term relief of severe anxiety and tension. It works by boosting the calming chemical GABA in the brain, which can quickly reduce physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety. Because it can cause dependence and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, it is usually prescribed for short periods or occasional use, not as a long-term daily solution.
Starting Dose
N/A
Usual Range
N/A
Primary Use
Severe or disabling anxiety: When worry, tension, or restlessness interfere with daily life.
Onset
Bromazepam is not the very fas...
Subutex is a brand name for buprenorphine sublingual tablets without naloxone. It’s used mainly to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) by easing withdrawal and reducing cravings so people can stay in treatment and away from heroin or pain pill misuse. It has a “ceiling effect,” meaning its opioid effect levels off at higher doses, which lowers (but does not remove) the risk of full respiratory arrest compared with drugs like heroin or oxycodone. It is still a controlled opioid with overdose, addiction, and diversion risk, especially when combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedating drugs. Subutex is usually used when buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) is not a good option—for example, in pregnancy or when someone cannot tolerate naloxone.
Starting Dose
N/A
Usual Range
N/A
Primary Use
Opioid use disorder (OUD): Daily under-the-tongue treatment that stabilizes people who are dependent on heroin, fentanyl, or prescription opioids.
Onset
Subutex is relatively fast-act...
Buprenorphine–naloxone is a daily medication used to treat opioid use disorder, not to treat pain. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid that calms withdrawal and cravings; naloxone is added mainly to discourage injection misuse. When taken under the tongue or inside the cheek as prescribed, it can stabilize people, cut illicit opioid use, and support long-term recovery. It still has opioid risks, so careful monitoring and overdose education remain essential.
Starting Dose
N/A
Usual Range
N/A
Primary Use
Opioid Use Disorder: heroin, fentanyl, or prescription opioid (eg, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine) use with loss of control, cravings, or harmful consequences
Onset
During induction, timing is cr...
Bupropion is an antidepressant that tends to feel more "activating" than sedating. People often notice more energy, better focus, and less emotional numbness compared with some other antidepressants. It can also help reduce cigarette cravings and withdrawal. Downsides: it can worsen anxiety or insomnia in some people and has a dose-related seizure risk, so doses have to be spaced out and caps are strict.
Starting Dose
N/A
Usual Range
N/A
Primary Use
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Low mood, low energy, loss of interest, and trouble enjoying things
Onset
Bupropion doesn’t work overnig...
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The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication regimen.