Medications are often used in the treatment of mental health disorders. As there is a wide variety of disorders, there is a wide variety of medications. Some might be familiar, from television or magazine ads. Other meds have not gained that recognition. Below the medications are grouped by type of medication.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

• Amitriptalene----Elavil
• Amoxapine----Asendin
• Clomoipramine-Anafranil
• Desipramine-Norprmine
• Doxepine-Sinequan
• Maprotilie-Ludiomil
• Nortriptykube-Pamelor
• Trazodone-Dysyrel
• Trimipramine-Surmontil

Some of the common side effects with this group of medications are dry mouth, sedation, sexual dysfunction, and constipation.

SSRIs

• Fluoxetine--Prozac
• Fluvoxamine--Luvox
• Sertaline--Zoloft
• Citalopran--Celexa

SNRIs

• Venlafaxine--Effexor
• Mirtazapine-Remeron

Some of the common side effects with SSRIs and SNRIs are anxiety, sedation, nausea, insominia, and sexual dysfunction.

ATYPICAL

• Buproppion-Wellbutrin

MAOIs

This type of depressant is rarely used any more. It is only considered if other antidepressants have failed. These medications require a restricted diet, including limits on fish, redmeat, fruit, and dairy products. MAOI's can also cause sharp rises in blood pressure, which can be dangerous or fatal. Some of the MAOIs that are still in use include phenelzine, tranykcypromine and selegiline.

All of these medications act in some manner on the neurotransmitters called dopamine, serotonice, and norepinephrine. It is thought that depresioon is caused from a lack of these neurontransmitters, and problems absorbing these neurotransmitters.

MOOD STABLIZERS

These types of medications are primarily used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. However, they have been found to be beneficial in individuals with depression.

Lithium

Clients must be familiar with common side effects and signs of lithium toxicity. Some of the side effects of lithium include nausea, vomiting, headaches and weight changes. The level of lithium in an individual's bloodstream must be monitored routinely.

Anticonvulsants

Tegretol and Depakote are the two main antconvulsants used in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder. Some of the side effects for these medications are important to take note of. Some of the common ones include nausea, sedation, dizziness, and vomiting. Blood monitoring of medication levels is essential in the use of these medications.

There are new anticonvulsants available besides these. They include lamictal, topamax, neurontin, gabitril, trileptal and felbatol.

Antianxiety Medications

There are a few types of medication under this group. These medications include benzodiazepines, antihistamines, beta blockers, and meds specifially for anxiety.

Benzodiazepines are commonly used in the treatment of anxiety. Something the clinician must watch out for is their potential for addiction. These medications are usually avoided in clients with a history of substance abuse or dependence.