The Medication Library
What medications are, what they're commonly prescribed for, and what to ask. A diagnosis does NOT automatically mean you have to take medication.
↙ ask your prescriber
SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) — a type of antidepressantSertralineCommonly prescribed for: Depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It's also used off-label for generalized anxiety.Open full entry ↓
Symptoms it may target
- Persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure
- Panic attacks and anticipatory anxiety
- Obsessions and compulsions
- Trauma-related anxiety and hyperarousal
Common side effects
- Nausea, diarrhea, or other GI upset, especially in the first weeks
- Headache
- Sleep changes (trouble sleeping or drowsiness)
- Sexual side effects (reduced libido, delayed orgasm)
- Dry mouth, sweating
Important / serious warnings
- Boxed warning: antidepressants, including sertraline, can increase suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, teens, and young adults (up to about age 24), especially in the first weeks of treatment or after a dose change. Anyone starting an antidepressant should be watched closely for worsening mood or new suicidal thoughts.
- Serotonin syndrome — a rare but serious reaction, more likely when combined with other serotonergic drugs (e.g., some migraine medications, other antidepressants, St. John's Wort).
- Risk of bleeding, particularly when combined with NSAIDs, aspirin, or blood thinners.
- Possible increased risk when used late in pregnancy; this is a conversation to have directly with a prescriber.
Monitoring that may be recommended
- Mood and suicidal-thoughts check-ins, especially early in treatment or after dose changes
- Overall response to symptoms over several weeks (effects usually build gradually)
- Any new or unusual bleeding
- Review of other medications and supplements for interactions
Questions to ask a prescriber
- How long before I notice a difference?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- What side effects are common versus a sign I should call right away?
- Are there foods, supplements or other medications I should avoid?
- What's the plan if this doesn't help enough, or the side effects are too much?
About changing or stopping
Don't stop or change the dose of this medication without talking to the prescriber first. Stopping or changing some psychiatric medications suddenly can cause withdrawal effects, a return or worsening of symptoms, or — for some medications — more serious medical risks. If side effects are hard to live with, that's worth a conversation, not a reason to stop on your own.
Sources: MedlinePlus (NIH/NLM) — Sertraline: MedlinePlus Drug Information · NIMH — Mental Health Medications. Not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Human medical review pending.
Mood stabilizerLithiumCommonly prescribed for: Bipolar disorder — both manic and depressive episodes — and long-term relapse prevention. Sometimes used to augment antidepressants in treatment-resistant depression.Open full entry ↓
Symptoms it may target
- Manic or hypomanic episodes
- Depressive episodes in bipolar disorder
- Mood instability over the longer term
- Reduction of suicide risk in some people with mood disorders
Common side effects
- Increased thirst and urination
- Hand tremor
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Weight gain
- Feeling mentally "slowed down"
Important / serious warnings
- Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window: the difference between a helpful dose and a toxic one is small, so blood levels must be monitored. Toxicity can cause confusion, slurred speech, severe tremor, vomiting, and in serious cases seizures or coma — this is a medical emergency.
- Can affect kidney function and thyroid function with long-term use.
- Dehydration, illness with vomiting/diarrhea, certain medications (like some blood pressure drugs and NSAIDs), and low-sodium diets can raise lithium levels dangerously.
- Has been linked to risks for a developing fetus; pregnancy plans should be discussed directly with the prescriber.
Monitoring that may be recommended
- Regular blood tests for lithium level, especially when starting or changing dose
- Kidney function tests
- Thyroid function tests
- Hydration and salt intake, particularly during illness or hot weather
Questions to ask a prescriber
- How often will my lithium level need to be checked?
- What are the early signs of lithium levels getting too high?
- What should I do if I'm sick with vomiting or diarrhea?
- Are there medications or supplements I need to avoid?
- What does this mean for pregnancy planning, if relevant to me?
About changing or stopping
Don't stop or change the dose of this medication without talking to the prescriber first. Stopping or changing some psychiatric medications suddenly can cause withdrawal effects, a return or worsening of symptoms, or — for some medications — more serious medical risks. If side effects are hard to live with, that's worth a conversation, not a reason to stop on your own.
Sources: MedlinePlus (NIH/NLM) — Lithium: MedlinePlus Drug Information · NIMH — Bipolar Disorder. Not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Human medical review pending.
Anticonvulsant used as a mood stabilizerLamotrigineCommonly prescribed for: Bipolar disorder, particularly for preventing depressive episodes and maintenance treatment. Also used as an anti-seizure medication in epilepsy.Open full entry ↓
Symptoms it may target
- Prevention of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder
- Mood stability over the longer term
Common side effects
- Headache
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Nausea
- Mild skin rash (most are not dangerous, but any rash needs prompt evaluation — see warning below)
Important / serious warnings
- Boxed warning: lamotrigine can cause serious, potentially life-threatening skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Risk is higher when the dose is increased too quickly, so this medication must be started and titrated slowly and exactly as prescribed. Any rash while taking lamotrigine should be reported to a prescriber immediately.
- Rare risk of a serious reaction called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), involving fever and organ involvement.
- Can cause aseptic meningitis in rare cases.
- The risk of serious rash is higher in children than adults. Hormonal contraceptives and pregnancy can change lamotrigine blood levels, and there are mixed data on risks to a developing fetus — pregnancy plans should be discussed directly with the prescriber.
Monitoring that may be recommended
- Careful, slow dose increases when starting treatment
- Watching closely for any new skin rash, fever, swollen glands, or flu-like symptoms, especially in the first 2–8 weeks
- Mood symptoms over time
Questions to ask a prescriber
- What does a dangerous rash look like, versus a mild one?
- Why does the dose need to go up so slowly?
- What should I do if I miss several days of doses? (Restarting may require titrating again.)
- Does this interact with hormonal birth control or other medications I take?
About changing or stopping
Don't stop or change the dose of this medication without talking to the prescriber first. Stopping or changing some psychiatric medications suddenly can cause withdrawal effects, a return or worsening of symptoms, or — for some medications — more serious medical risks. If side effects are hard to live with, that's worth a conversation, not a reason to stop on your own.
Sources: MedlinePlus (NIH/NLM) — Lamotrigine: MedlinePlus Drug Information · NIMH — Bipolar Disorder. Not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Human medical review pending.
StimulantMethylphenidateCommonly prescribed for: ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) in children, teens, and adults; also used for narcolepsy.Open full entry ↓
Symptoms it may target
- Inattention and distractibility
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
Common side effects
- Decreased appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Headache or stomachache
- Irritability as medication wears off ("rebound")
Important / serious warnings
- Boxed warning: stimulants have a high potential for misuse and dependence. Methylphenidate is a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S., with legal restrictions on prescribing and refills; it should be stored securely and tracked carefully.
- Can increase heart rate and blood pressure — caution in people with existing heart conditions; sudden death has been reported rarely in people with underlying heart problems.
- May worsen symptoms in people with existing psychosis, mania, or significant anxiety.
- Can slow growth in children with long-term use; growth is typically monitored.
- Limited data on use in pregnancy; any pregnancy or plans for pregnancy should be discussed directly with the prescriber.
Monitoring that may be recommended
- Heart rate and blood pressure
- Height and weight in children
- Sleep and appetite
- Mood or new psychiatric symptoms
Questions to ask a prescriber
- Which formulation (short- or long-acting) fits my schedule best?
- What should I do about appetite or sleep changes?
- How should this be stored and tracked, given it's a controlled substance?
- What if I notice no effect, or the effect wears off too soon?
About changing or stopping
Don't stop or change the dose of this medication without talking to the prescriber first. Stopping or changing some psychiatric medications suddenly can cause withdrawal effects, a return or worsening of symptoms, or — for some medications — more serious medical risks. If side effects are hard to live with, that's worth a conversation, not a reason to stop on your own.
Sources: MedlinePlus (NIH/NLM) — Methylphenidate: MedlinePlus Drug Information. Not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Human medical review pending.
Atypical (second-generation) antipsychoticAripiprazoleCommonly prescribed for: Schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder (manic and mixed episodes, and maintenance), and as an add-on treatment for depression that hasn't fully responded to an antidepressant alone. Also used for irritability associated with autism in children in some cases.Open full entry ↓
Symptoms it may target
- Psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions
- Manic or mixed episodes in bipolar disorder
- Depression that hasn't responded fully to an antidepressant alone
Common side effects
- Restlessness or feeling like you need to move (akathisia)
- Weight gain, though often less than with some other antipsychotics
- Nausea
- Sleep changes (insomnia or drowsiness)
- Headache
Important / serious warnings
- Boxed warning: antipsychotics, including aripiprazole, are associated with an increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. It is not approved for this use.
- Boxed warning (shared with other antidepressants/adjunct treatments): increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, teens, and young adults when used for depression.
- Movement-related side effects, including tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements that can be persistent).
- Rare but serious reaction: neuroleptic malignant syndrome (high fever, muscle rigidity, confusion) — a medical emergency.
- Can affect blood sugar and cholesterol; metabolic changes are monitored over time.
- Impulse-control problems (such as compulsive gambling, eating, or shopping) have been reported in some people.
- Use late in pregnancy has been associated with movement and withdrawal symptoms in newborns in some reports; pregnancy plans should be discussed directly with the prescriber.
Monitoring that may be recommended
- Weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol periodically
- Any new, unusual movements
- Mood and suicidal thoughts, especially when used for depression in younger people
- New or unusual urges around gambling, spending, eating, or sex
Questions to ask a prescriber
- What movement-related side effects should I watch for?
- How will my weight and blood sugar be monitored?
- What's the plan if I notice new compulsive urges?
- How long until I'd expect to notice a difference?
About changing or stopping
Don't stop or change the dose of this medication without talking to the prescriber first. Stopping or changing some psychiatric medications suddenly can cause withdrawal effects, a return or worsening of symptoms, or — for some medications — more serious medical risks. If side effects are hard to live with, that's worth a conversation, not a reason to stop on your own.
Sources: MedlinePlus (NIH/NLM) — Aripiprazole: MedlinePlus Drug Information · NIMH — Schizophrenia. Not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Human medical review pending.
NDRI (norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor) — an atypical antidepressantBupropionCommonly prescribed for: Depression and smoking cessation (sold under a different brand name for the latter use).Open full entry ↓
Symptoms it may target
- Persistent low mood, low energy, poor concentration
- Nicotine cravings when used for smoking cessation
Common side effects
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Headache
- Nausea
- Increased anxiety or jitteriness in some people
Important / serious warnings
- Boxed warning: like other antidepressants, bupropion can increase suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, teens, and young adults, especially early in treatment or after dose changes.
- Increases seizure risk in a dose-dependent way; it should be avoided or used with caution in people with a seizure disorder, an eating disorder, or those withdrawing from alcohol or sedatives, since these raise seizure risk further.
- Unlike many antidepressants, it's less likely to cause sexual side effects or weight gain, but it can increase blood pressure and should be used carefully by people with hypertension.
- Pregnancy safety data is limited; use during pregnancy is a decision to make directly with a prescriber, weighing risks and benefits.
Monitoring that may be recommended
- Mood and suicidal-thoughts check-ins, especially early on
- Blood pressure
- Any history of seizures, eating disorders, or heavy alcohol/sedative use, discussed before starting
Questions to ask a prescriber
- Does my health history (seizures, eating disorder, alcohol use) affect whether this is a good fit?
- What should I do if I notice increased anxiety or trouble sleeping?
- How does this compare to other antidepressant options for me?
- Will this affect my blood pressure, and how will that be checked?
About changing or stopping
Don't stop or change the dose of this medication without talking to the prescriber first. Stopping or changing some psychiatric medications suddenly can cause withdrawal effects, a return or worsening of symptoms, or — for some medications — more serious medical risks. If side effects are hard to live with, that's worth a conversation, not a reason to stop on your own.
Sources: MedlinePlus (NIH/NLM) — Bupropion: MedlinePlus Drug Information · NIMH — Mental Health Medications. Not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Human medical review pending.
Every medication entry covers
- Medication class
- Commonly prescribed for
- Symptoms it may target
- Common side effects
- Important / serious warnings
- Monitoring that may be recommended
- Questions to ask a prescriber
- About changing or stopping medication
totally optional ↓
Want to talk to someone about what you've been reading?
Find professionals experienced with medication consultations →