Medications Commonly Prescribed for Mental Health

Introduction  

While clinicians at Sunfield Center aren’t authorized to prescribe medications, we have extensive experience connecting families with qualified providers who can. We also offer psychoeducation on the purpose and effects of medications, support medication adherence, monitor their impact, coordinate care between other providers, and help individuals access affordable pharmaceutical options.

Additionally, medications don’t work the same way for everyone. Most of the treatments discussed in this blog are primarily intended for adults; any that may also be suitable for children will be noted. It’s important to highlight the distinction between treatments for adults and those appropriate for children.

Medications for ASD, ADHD, and Behavioral Health       

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (National Institutes of Health, 2021):

  • There is no pharmacological treatment that directly addresses the primary symptoms of ASD. However there are several medications that can help manage specific symptoms and co-occurring conditions commonly associated with ASD, such as irritability, aggression, and anxiety. 
  • Some commonly prescribed medications for ASD symptoms include Abilify, Risperdal, Zoloft, and Prozac.

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Cleveland Clinic, 2022): 

  • ADHD medications work in different ways depending on the type. However, all of them help by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine). These chemicals help improve several symptoms of ADHD:
    • Increasing attention
    • Reducing hyperactivity
    • Controlling impulsive behavior
    • Managing executive dysfunction
  • Common medications for ADHD include stimulants, non-stimulants, and certain  antidepressants, such as Adderall, Concerta, Focalin, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Strattera, Qelbree, Wellbutrin, and Pamelor. 
  • Some stimulants are appropriate for children following approval from a medical doctor or psychiatrist. 

• Other Behavioral Health Medications:

• • Antidepressants: (SSRIs, NDRIs, SNRIs)
    • Antidepressants are medications used to treat depression and sometimes other conditions, such as anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain.
    • Common antidepressants include Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Effexor, Pamelor, and Wellbutrin. 
    • Some antidepressants are appropriate for children following approval from a medical doctor or psychiatrist.

• • Anti-anxiety medications help individuals manage symptoms of anxiety and panic disorders, such as panic attacks, extreme fears, and worry. 

• • • Common anti-anxiety medications include Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, and Valium. 
  • Stimulants:
    • Stimulants are generally used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. They aim to increase alertness and attention while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. 
    • Common stimulants include Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Concerta, and Dexedrine. 
    • Some stimulants are appropriate for children following approval from a medical doctor or psychiatrist. 
  • Antipsychotics:
    • Antipsychotic medications are mainly used to treat psychosis. During a psychotic episode, individuals may experience delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there). Psychosis can be caused by drug use or mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression.
    • Common antipsychotic medications include Haldol, Thorazine, Adusuve, and Abilify. 
    • Some antipsychotic medications are appropriate for children following approval from a medical doctor or psychiatrist. 
  • Mood Stabilizers:
    • Mood stabilizers are commonly used to treat bipolar disorder and mood swings linked to other conditions. Sometimes, they are also prescribed alongside antidepressants to help boost their effectiveness.
    • Common mood stabilizers include Lithium (lithobid and lithonate), Depakote, Lamictal, Oxtellar, and anticonvulsants. 
    • Some mood stabilizer medications are appropriate for children following approval from a medical doctor or psychiatrist.

Benefits and Risks (Nexus of Hope, 2022):

Benefits:

• Quality of Life Improvement:
  • Once established with a medication that works for an individual’s needs, this can improve the quality of life and general wellness. 
• Safety:
  • Although there are some exceptions of medications that may be habit forming, most psychiatric medications are adequately tested, well-researched, and regulated. 
• Effectiveness: 
  • Upon finding a medication that works for an individual, it’s typical to notice a reduction in symptoms and improvement in overall functioning. 

Risks:

• • Side Effects:
    • Dry mouth, dizziness, sexual complications, fatigue, weight gain, nausea, allergic reactions, seizures, tremors, mania, and suicidal ideation.
  • Delayed Onset:

• Medications may take awhile to start working, which can cause the transition period to be difficult and distressing for some individuals and families. 

• • Ineffectiveness:
    • Everyone responds differently to medications, In other words, what works for one person may not work for another. However, if individuals find that a medication isn’t working and stops taking it as prescribed, it can lead to dangerous consequences. Therefore, it may take several medications to see results. 

• It is important to understand that medications can affect children differently than adults, and these differences may influence both the effectiveness of a drug and the potential for side effects.

Clinical Interventions

If you’re interested in treatment, referrals to providers who can prescribe medication, or would like to schedule a consultation for yourself or your child, please reach out to Sunfield Center via phone at (734) 222-9277 or visit https://sunfieldcenter.com/contact-us/ to request an appointment.

References

Cleveland Clinic. (2022, October 6). ADHD medications: How They Work & Side Effects. Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11766-adhd-medication 

Lavoie, K. L., & Barone, S. (2006). Prescription Privileges for Psychologists. CNS Drugs, 20(1), 51–66. https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200620010-00005 

National Institutes of Health. (2021, January 31). Medication Treatment for Autism. 

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/conditioninfo/treatments/medication-treatment  

National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Mental Health Medications. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications