Psychiatric Medications

Finding What Works: Psychiatric Medications

Your body, your choices. As nurses, our first and most important commitment is to listen to you. We understand that you are the expert of your own experience, and we deeply respect your autonomy in making decisions about your mental health care. While we can offer guidance based on our medical knowledge, we will never pressure you into any treatment you're not comfortable with. If a medication isn't working for you or causes unexpected effects, we take your experience seriously – even if it differs from textbook descriptions. Our role is to partner with you, sharing our knowledge while honoring your wisdom about your own body and mind.

Antidepressants

Supporting those experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, and related challenges:

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
Examples: Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Help lift persistent depression and reduce anxiety
• Can reduce intensity of panic attacks
• May help with obsessive-compulsive symptoms
• Often helpful for PTSD and complex trauma
• Can support recovery from eating disorders

SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
Examples: Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor)
• Dual-action support for mood and energy
• Can help with both emotional and physical symptoms
• Often effective for anxiety with somatic symptoms
• May reduce chronic pain associated with depression

Atypical Antidepressants

Examples: Bupropion (Wellbutrin), Mirtazapine (Remeron), Trazodone
• Alternative approaches for unique needs
• Some help with both mood and focus
• Can be particularly helpful when sleep is affected
• May work when other options haven't provided relief

Mood Stabilizers

Supporting those with bipolar spectrum disorders and emotional regulation challenges:

Classical Mood Stabilizers
Examples: Lithium, Valproate (Depakote), Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• Help prevent manic and depressive episodes
• Stabilize mood swings
• Can reduce suicidal thoughts
• Support long-term emotional stability
• May help with impulsivity and anger management

Antipsychotics

Supporting those with psychotic disorders, severe mood disorders, and complex presentations:

Traditional Antipsychotics
Examples: Haloperidol (Haldol), Perphenazine
• Help organize thought patterns
• Reduce hallucinations and delusions
• Can provide rapid stabilization when needed

Atypical Antipsychotics
Examples: Aripiprazole (Abilify), Lurasidone (Latuda), Quetiapine (Seroquel)
• Modern options with broader benefits
• Can help with both thought disorders and mood
• Often useful for bipolar disorder
• May help with severe anxiety and depression
• Some help with sleep without dependence

Anti-Anxiety Medications

Supporting those with anxiety, panic attacks, and trauma responses:

Non-Benzodiazepine Options
Examples: Hydroxyzine, Propranolol, Buspirone (BuSpar)
• Provide anxiety relief without significant sedation
• Can be used long-term safely
• Help with physical symptoms of anxiety
• Support trauma recovery without dependency risks

Benzodiazepines
Examples: Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Rapid relief for severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Used cautiously due to dependency risks
• Short-term support during acute stress
• Prescribed with careful monitoring and clear guidelines

Sleep Medications

Supporting those with insomnia and sleep disruption:

Modern Sleep Aids
Examples: Suvorexant (Belsomra), Lemborexant (Dayvigo)
• Target natural sleep-wake cycles
• Less likely to cause dependence
• Help establish healthy sleep patterns

Traditional Sleep Medications
Examples: Zolpidem (Ambien), Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
• Effective for acute insomnia
• Used cautiously for short periods
• Help reset sleep patterns

Alternative Sleep Support
Examples: Low-dose Doxepin, Melatonin, Gabapentin
• Gentler options for sleep support
• Can be used longer-term
• May help with anxiety-related insomnia

Focus Enhancers

For diagnosed ADHD and attention challenges:

Stimulants
Examples: Mixed Amphetamine Salts (Adderall), Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
• Help with focus and task completion
• Reduce impulsivity
• Improve executive functioning
• Prescribed after thorough evaluation

Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications
Examples: Atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv)
• Alternative options for attention support
• Can help with emotional regulation
• Often combined with other treatments

Substance Use Recovery Support

Our licensed substance abuse counselor can provide:

Medication-Assisted Treatment
Examples: Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone), Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
• Supports recovery from opioid dependence
• Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms
• Prescribed within a comprehensive treatment program
• Regular monitoring and support provided
• Coordination with therapy and support groups

Alcohol Recovery Support
Examples: Naltrexone, Acamprosate, Disulfiram
• Helps reduce alcohol cravings
• Supports maintaining sobriety
• Combined with counseling and support programs
• Regular check-ins and monitoring
• Coordination with primary care provider

Important Notes!

1. Medication is one part of a comprehensive care approach. We often combine medications with therapy, lifestyle changes, and other support.

2. Many conditions respond best to a combination of medications carefully chosen for your specific needs.

3. Some medications can help with multiple conditions. For example, certain antidepressants can help with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD.

4. We understand that symptoms often arise from real-world challenges like systemic oppression, job loss, relationship struggles, and trauma. Medications can provide support while you work through these deeper issues.

5. We'll work together to find the right combination of support for your unique situation, adjusting as needed along your journey.

Natural Supplements & Alternative Support OPTIONS

While not replacements for prescribed medications when needed, these natural options can provide gentle support for many people. Click here to learn more.