Psychiatric medication

Types

There are six main groups of psychiatric medications.

Antidepressants, which treat disparate disorders such as clinical

depression, dysthymia, anxiety disorders, eating disorders and borderline personality
disorder

Antipsychotics, which treat psychotic disorders such

as schizophrenia and psychotic symptoms occurring in the context of other disorders such
as mood disorders.

Anxiolytics, which treat anxiety disorders.

Depressants, which are used as hypnotics, sedatives, and anesthetics.

Mood stabilizers, which treat bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder.

Stimulants, which treat disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity

disorder and narcolepsy.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are drugs used to treat clinical depression, and they are also often used for anxiety
and other disorders. Most antidepressants will hinder the breakdown of serotonin
or norepinephrine or both. A commonly used class of antidepressants are called selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which act on serotonin transporters in the brain to increase levels of
serotonin in the synaptic cleft.[16] SSRIs will often take 35 weeks to have a noticeable effect, as the
regulation of receptors in the brain adapts. There are multiple classes of antidepressants which have
different mechanisms of action. Another type of antidepressant is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor,
which is thought to block the action of Monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down serotonin
and norepinephrine. MAOIs are not used as first-line treatment due to the risk of hypertensive
crisis related to the consumption of foods containing the amino acid tyramine.[16][17]
Common antidepressants:
Fluoxetine (Prozac), SSRI
Paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat), SSRI
Citalopram (Celexa), SSRI
Escitalopram (Lexapro), SSRI
Sertraline (Zoloft), SSRI
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), SNRI
Venlafaxine (Effexor), SNRI
Bupropion (Wellbutrin), NDRI[18]
Mirtazapine (Remeron), NaSSA
Isocarboxazid (Marplan), MAOI
 Phenelzine (Nardil), MAOI
Tranylcypromine (Parnate), MAOI
Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics are drugs used to treat various symptoms of psychosis, such as those caused by
psychotic disorders or schizophrenia. Atypical antipsychotics are also used as mood stabilizers in
the treatment of bipolar disorder, and they can augment the action of antidepressants in major
depressive disorder.[16] Antipsychotics are sometimes referred to as neuroleptic drugs and some
antipsychotics are branded "major tranquilizers".

There are two categories of antipsychotics: typical antipsychotics and atypical antipsychotics. Most
antipsychotics are available only by prescription.

Common antipsychotics:

Typical antipsychotics Atypical antipsychotics

Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
Haloperidol (Haldol)
Perphenazine (Trilafon)
Thioridazine (Melleril)
Thiothixene (Navane)
Flupenthixol (Fluanxol)
Trifluoperazine (Stelazine)
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Lurasidone (Latuda)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Paliperidone (Invega)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Zotepine (Nipolept)
Ziprasidone (Geodon)

Anxiolytics and hypnotics

Benzodiazepines are effective as hypnotics, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, myorelaxants and

amnesics. Having less proclivity for overdose and toxicity, they have widely supplanted barbiturates.

Developed in the 1950s onward, benzodiazepines were originally thought to be non-addictive at

therapeutic doses, but are now known to cause withdrawal symptoms similar to barbiturates
and alcohol. Benzodiazepines are generally recommended for short-term use.

Z-drugs are a group of drugs with effects generally similar to benzodiazepines, which are used in the
treatment of insomnia.

Common benzodiazepines and z-drugs include:

Benzodiazepines Z-drug hypnotics

Alprazolam (Xanax), anxiolytic Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), anxiolytic Zaleplon (Sonata)
Clonazepam (Klonopin), anxiolytic Zolpidem (Ambien, Stilnox)
Diazepam (Valium), anxiolytic Zopiclone (Imovan)
Lorazepam (Ativan), anxiolytic
Nitrazepam (Mogadon), hypnotic
Temazepam (Restoril), hypnotic
Mood stabilizers

In 1949, the Australian John Cade discovered that lithium salts could control mania, reducing the
frequency and severity of manic episodes. This introduced the now popular drug lithium carbonate to
the mainstream public, as well as being the first mood stabilizer to be approved by the U.S. Food &
Drug Administration. Besides lithium, several anticonvulsants and atypical antipsychotics have mood
stabilizing activity. The mechanism of action of mood stabilizers is not well understood.

Common mood stabilizers:

Lithium carbonate (Carbolith), first and typical mood stabilizer
Carbamazepine (Tegretol), anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer
Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer
Valproic acid, and salts (Depakine, Depakote), anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer
Lamotrigine (Lamictal), atypical anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer
Gabapentin, atypical GABA-related anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer
Pregabalin, atypical GABA-ergic anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer
Topiramate, GABA-receptor related anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizer
Olanzapine, atypical antipsychotic and mood stabilizer

Stimulants

A stimulant is a drug that stimulates the central nervous system, increasing arousal, attention and
endurance. Stimulants are used in psychiatry to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Because
the medications can be addictive, patients with a history of drug abuse are typically monitored
closely or treated with a non-stimulant.

Common stimulants:
Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor
Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin), the active dextro-enantiomer of methylphenidate
Mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall), a 3:1 mix of dextro/levo-enantiomers of amphetamine
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), the dextro-enantiomer of amphetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), a prodrug containing the dextro-enantiomer of amphetamine
Methamphetamine (Desoxyn), a potent but infrequently prescribed amphetamine
Psychopharmacological substances

Alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant, the effects of which may vary according to dosage amount, frequency, and
chronicity. As a member of the sedative-hypnotic class, at the lowest doses, the individual feels
relaxed and less anxious. In quiet settings, the user may feel drowsy, but in settings with increased
sensory stimulation, individuals may feel uninhibited and more confident. High doses of alcohol
rapidly consumed may produce amnesia for the events that occur during intoxication. Other effects
include reduced coordination, which leads to slurred speech, impaired fine-motor skills, and delayed
reaction time. The effects of alcohol on the bodys neurochemistry are more difficult to examine than
some other drugs. This is because the chemical nature of the substance makes it easy to penetrate
into the brain, and it also influences the phospholipid bilayer of neurons. This allows alcohol to have
a widespread impact on many normal cell functions and modifies the actions of several
neurotransmitter systems. Alcohol inhibits glutamate (a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the
nervous system) neurotransmission by reducing the effectiveness at the NMDA receptor, which is
related to memory loss associated with intoxication. It also modulates the function of GABA, a major
inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter. The reinforcing qualities of alcohol leading to repeated use
and thus also the mechanisms of withdrawal from chronic alcohol use are partially due to the
substances action on the dopamine system. This is also due to alcohols effect on
the opioid systems, or endorphins, that have opiate-like effects, such as modulating pain, mood,
feeding, reinforcement, and response to stress.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants reduce symptoms of mood disorders primarily through the regulation

of norepinephrine and serotonin (particularly the 5-HT receptors). After chronic use, neurons adapt to
the change in biochemistry, resulting in a change in pre- and postsynaptic receptor density and
second messenger function.[1]

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are the oldest class of antidepressants. They
inhibit monoamine oxidase, the enzyme that metabolizes the monoamine neurotransmitters in the
presynaptic terminals that are not contained in protective synaptic vesicles. The inhibition of the
enzyme increases the amount of neurotransmitter available for release. It increases norepinephrine,
dopamine, and 5-HT and thus increases the action of the transmitters at their receptors. MAOIs have
been somewhat disfavored because of their reputation for more serious side effects. [1]
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) work through binding to the presynaptic transporter proteins and
blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine or 5-HT into the presynaptic terminal, prolonging the
duration of transmitter action at the synapse.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) selectively block the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT)
through their inhibiting effects on the sodium/potassium ATP-dependent serotonin transporter in
presynaptic neurons. This increases the availability of 5-HT in the synaptic cleft. [6] The main
parameters to consider in choosing an antidepressant are side effects and safety. Most SSRIs are
available generically and are relatively inexpensive. Older antidepressants, such as the TCAs and
MAOIs usually require more visits and monitoring, and this may offset the low expense of the drugs.
The SSRIs are relatively safe in overdose and better tolerated than the TCAs and MAOIs for most
patients.[6]
Antipsychotics

All proven antipsychotics are postsynaptic dopamine receptor blockers (dopamine antagonists). For
an antipsychotic to be effective, it generally requires a dopamine antagonism of 60%-80% of
dopamine D2 receptors.[6]

First generation (typical) antipsychotics: Traditional neuroleptics modify several neurotransmitter

systems, but their clinical effectiveness is most likely due to their ability to antagonize dopamine
transmission by competitively blocking the receptors or by inhibiting dopamine release. The most
serious and troublesome side effects of these classical antipsychotics are movement disorders that
resemble the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, because the neuroleptics antagonize dopamine
receptors broadly, also reducing the normal dopamine-mediated inhibition of cholinergic cells in
the striatum.[1]

Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics: The concept of atypicality is from the finding that the
second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) had a greater serotonin/dopamine ratio than did earlier
drugs, and might be associated with improved efficacy (particularly for the negative symptoms of
psychosis) and reduced extrapyramidal side effects. Some of the efficacy of atypical antipsychotics
may be due to 5-HT2 antagonism or the blockade of other dopamine receptors. Agents that purely
block 5-HT2 or dopamine receptors other than D2 have often failed as effective antipsychotics.[6]

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are often used to reduce anxiety symptoms, muscle tension, seizure disorders,
insomnia, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, and panic attack symptoms. Their action is primarily on
specific benzodiazepine sites on the GABA A receptor. This receptor complex is thought to mediate
the anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant actions of the benzodiazepines.[6] Use of
benzodiazepines carries the risk of tolerance (necessitating increased dosage), dependence, and
abuse. Taking these drugs for a long period of time can lead to withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt
discontinuation.[7]

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens cause perceptual and cognitive distortions without delirium. The state of intoxication is
often called a trip. Onset is the first stage after an individual ingests (LSD, psilocybin, or mescaline)
or smokes (dimethyltryptamine) the substance. This stage may consist of visual effects, with an
intensification of colors and the appearance of geometric patterns that can be seen with ones eyes
closed. This is followed by a plateau phase, where the subjective sense of time begins to slow and
the visual effects increase in intensity. The user may experience synesthesia, a crossing-over of
sensations (for example, one may see sounds and hear colors). In addition to the sensory-
perceptual effects, hallucinogenic substances may induce feelings of depersonalization, emotional
shifts to a euphoric or anxious/fearful state, and a disruption of logical thought. Hallucinogens are
classified chemically as either indoleamines (specifically tryptamines), sharing a common structure
with serotonin, or as phenethylamines, which share a common structure with norepinephrine. Both
classes of these drugs are agonists at the 5-HT2 receptors; this is thought to be the central
component of their hallucinogenic properties. Activation of 5-HT 2Amay be particularly important for
hallucinogenic activity. However, repeated exposure to hallucinogens leads to rapid tolerance, likely
through down-regulation of these receptors in specific target cells.[1]

Hypnotics

Hypnotics are often used to treat the symptoms of insomnia, or other sleep disorders.
Benzodiazepines are still among the most widely prescribed sedative-hypnotics in the United States
today. Certain non-benzodiazepine drugs are used as hypnotics as well. Although they lack the
chemical structure of the benzodiazepines, their sedative effect is similarly through action on the
GABAA receptor. They also have a reputation of being less addictive than
benzodiazepines. Melatonin, a naturally-occurring hormone, is often used over the counter (OTC) to
treat insomnia and jet lag. This hormone appears to be excreted by the pineal gland early during the
sleep cycle and may contribute to human circadian rhythms. Because OTC melatonin supplements
are not subject to careful and consistent manufacturing, more specific melatonin agonists are
sometimes preferred. They are used for their action on melatonin receptors in the suprachiasmatic
nucleus, responsible for sleep-wake cycles. Many barbiturates have or had an FDA-approved
indication for use as sedative-hypnotics, but have become less widely used because of their limited
safety margin in overdose, their potential for dependence, and the degree of central nervous system
depression they induce. The amino-acid L-tryptophan is also available OTC, and seems to be free of
dependence or abuse liability. However, it is not as powerful as the traditional hypnotics. Because of
the possible role of serotonin in sleep patterns, a new generation of 5-HT 2 antagonists are in current
development as hypnotics.[6]

Cannabis and the cannabinoids

Cannabis consumption produces a dose-dependent state of intoxication in humans. There is

commonly increased blood flow to the skin, which leads to sensations of warmth or flushing, and
heart rate is also increased. It also frequently induces increased hunger. [1] Iversen (2000) categorized
the subjective and behavioral effects often associated with cannabis into three stages. The first is the
"buzz," a brief period of initial responding, where the main effects are lightheadedness or slight
dizziness, in addition to possible tingling sensations in the extremities or other parts of the body. The
"high" is characterized by feelings of euphoria and exhilaration characterized by mild psychedelia, as
well as a sense of disinhibition. If the individual has taken a sufficiently large dose of cannabis, the
level of intoxication progresses to the stage of being stoned, and the user may feel calm, relaxed,
and possibly in a dreamlike state. Sensory reactions may include the feeling of floating, enhanced
visual and auditory perception, visual illusions, or the perception of the slowing of time passage,
which are somewhat psychedelic in nature.[8]

There exist two primary CNS cannabinoid receptors, on which marijuana and the cannabinoids act.
Both the CB1 receptor and CB2 receptor are found in the brain. The CB2 receptor is also found in
the immune system. CB1 is expressed at high densities in the basal
ganglia, cerebellum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex. Receptor activation can
inhibit cAMPformation, inhibit voltage-sensitive calcium ion channels, and activate potassium ion
channels. Many CB1 receptors are located on axon terminals, where they act to inhibit the release of
various neurotransmitters. In combination, these drug actions work to alter various functions of the
central nervous system including the motor system, memory, and various cognitive processes. [1]

Opiates

The opiate drugs, which include drugs like heroin, morphine, and oxycodone, belong to the class
of narcotic analgesics, which reduce pain without producing unconsciousness, but do produce a
sense of relaxation and sleep, and at high doses, may result in coma and death. The ability of
opiates (both endogenous and exogenous) to relieve pain depends on a complex set of neuronal
pathways at the spinal cord level, as well as various locations above the spinal cord.
Small endorphin neurons in the spinal cord act on receptors to decrease the conduction of pain
signals from the spinal cord to higher brain centers. Descending neurons originating in
the periaqueductal gray give rise to two pathways that further block pain signals in the spinal cord.
The pathways begin in the locus coeruleus (noradrenaline) and the nucleus of raphe (serotonin).
Similar to other abused substances, opiate drugs increase dopamine release in the nucleus
accumbens.[1] Opiates are more likely to produce physical dependence than any other class of
psychoactive drugs, and can lead to painful withdrawal symptoms if discontinued abruptly after
regular use.

Stimulants

Cocaine is one of the more common stimulants, and is a complex drug that interacts with various
neurotransmitter systems. It commonly cause heightened alertness, increased confidence, feelings
of exhilaration, reduced fatigue, and a generalized sense of well-being. The effects of cocaine are
similar to those of the amphetamines, though cocaine tends to have a shorter duration of effect. In
high doses and/or with prolonged use, cocaine can result in a number of negative effects as well,
including irritability, anxiety, exhaustion, total insomnia, and even psychotic symptomatology. Most of
the behavioral and physiological actions of cocaine can be explained by its ability to block the
reuptake of the two catecholamines, dopamine and norepinephrine, as well as serotonin. Cocaine
binds to transporters that normally clear these transmitters from the synaptic cleft, inhibiting their
function. This leads to increased levels of neurotransmitter in the cleft and transmission at the
synapses.[1] Based on in-vitro studies using rat brain tissue, cocaine binds most strongly to the
serotonin transporter, followed by the dopamine transporter, and then the norepinephrine transporter.
[9]

Amphetamines tend to cause the same behavioral and subjective effects of cocaine. Various forms
of amphetamine are commonly used to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, or are used recreationally. Amphetamine
and methamphetamine are indirect agonists of the catecholaminergic systems. They block
catecholamine reuptake, in addition to releasing catecholamines from nerve terminals. There is
evidence that dopamine receptors play a central role in the behavioral responses of animals to
cocaine, amphetamines, and other psychostimulant drugs. One action causes the dopamine
molecules to be released from inside the vesicles into the cytoplasm of the nerve terminal, which are
then transported outside by the mesolimbic dopamine pathway to the nucleus accumbens. This
plays a key role in the rewarding and reinforcing effects of cocaine and amphetamine in animals,
and is the primary mechanism for amphetamine dependence.
List of psychiatric medications by condition
treated
Drug dependence therapy

Used in the treatment of alcoholism and opioid dependence

INN Common brand names

Acamprosate Campral
Baclofen Baclosan, Kemstro, Lioresal
Buprenorphine Subutex
Buprenorphine/naloxon
Suboxone
e
Clonidine Catapres, Kapvay, Nexiclon
Disulfiram Antabuse
Methadone Dolophine
Nalmefene Selincro
Naltrexone Depade, ReVia, Vivitrol
Ondansetron Zofran

Used for smoking cessation

INN Common brand names

Bupropion Voxra, Zyban
Cytisine Tabex, Desmoxan
Varenicline Champix, Chantix

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Stimulants
INN Common brand names
Amfetamine Evekeo
Amfetamine + Dexamfetamin
Adderall, Adzenys, Dyanavel
e
Dexamfetamine Dexedrine, Dextrostat, Zenzedi
Lisdexamfetamine Vyvanse, Elvanse
Methylphenidate Ritalin, Concerta
Dexmethylphenidate Focalin
Metamfetamine Desoxyn
Non-stimulant medications

INN Common brand names

Atomoxetine Strattera
Clonidine Kapvay
Guanfacine Intuniv, Tenex

Anxiety disorders
Benzodiazepines

INN Common brand names

Alprazolam Xanax
Bromazepam Lexotanil
Chlordiazepoxid
Librium
e
Clobazam Frisium
Clonazepam Klonopin
Clorazepate Tranxene
Diazepam Valium
Lorazepam Ativan, Temesta
Oxazepam Serax
Tofisopam Emandaxin, Grandaxin

Non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics

INN Common brand names

Buspirone BuSpar
Hydroxyzine Atarax, Vistaril
Meprobamat
Equanil, Miltown
e
Pregabalin Lyrica

Antidepressants

INN Common brand names

Citalopram Celexa, Cipramil
Clomipramin
Anafranil
e
Doxepin Doxepin, Sinequan
Escitalopram Cipralex, Lexapro
Fluoxetine Prozac, Sarafem
Fluvoxamine Fevarin, Luvox
Imipramine Tofranil
Mirtazapine Avanza, Remeron, Zispin
Paroxetine Seroxat, Paxil
Sertraline Lustral, Zoloft
Trazodone Azona, Deprax, Desyrel, Oleptro, Trittico, Thombran

Non-pharmaceutical
INN Common brand names
Tryptophan

Autism

INN Common brand names

Risperidone[1][2] Risperdal, Rispolept, Speridan

Bipolar disorder

Mood stabilizers

INN Common brand names

Biston, Calepsin, Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Finlepsin,
Carbamazepine
Sirtal, Stazepine, Tegretol, Telesmin, Timonil
Gabapentin Neurontin
Lamotrigine Lamictal
Levetiracetam Keppra
Lithium salts Camcolit, Eskalith, Lithobid, Sedalit
Oxcarbazepine Trileptal
Topiramate Topamax
[note 1]
Sodium valproate Convulex, Depakene, Depakine Enteric, Orfiril, Stavzor
[note 2]
Divalproex sodium Depakote, Epival, Ergenyl Chrono
Sodium valproate and Depakine Chrono, Depakine Chronosphere,
valproic acid in 2.3:1 ratio Epilim Chrono, Epilim Chronosphere

Antipsychotics

INN Common brand names

Aripiprazole Abilify, Abilify Maintena
Asenapine Saphris, Sycrest
Chlorpromazin
Largactil, Thorazine
e
Olanzapine Zyprexa
Paliperidone Invega, Xeplion
Quetiapine Seroquel
Risperidone Risperdal, Rispolept
Ziprasidone Geodon, Zeldox
Major depressive disorder or dysthymia

INN Common brand names

Amisulpride Amazeo, Amipride, Amival, Deniban, Solian, Soltus, Sulpitac, Sulprix
Amitriptyline Elavil, Endep, Tryptanol, Tryptomer
Amoxapine Asendin, Asendis, Defanyl, Demolox, Moxadil
Agomelatine Valdoxan, Melitor, Thymanax
Bupropion Elontril, Wellbutrin
Citalopram Celexa, Cipramil, Talohexane
Clomipramine Anafranil
Desipramine Norpramin, Pertofrane
Desvenlafaxine Pristiq
Doxepin Aponal, Adapine, Doxepin, Silenor, Sinquan, Sinequan, Zonalon
Duloxetine Cymbalta
Escitalopram Cipralex, Lexapro
Fluoxetine Fluctin, Fludac, Fontex, Foxetin, Lovan, Prodep, Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax
Fluvoxamine Luvox, Faverin, Fevarin
Imipramine Antideprin, Tofranil
Lamotrigine Lamictal, Lamictin, Lamogine
Levomilnacipran Fetzima
Mirtazapine Remeron, Avanza
Moclobemide Aurorix, Manerix
Nortriptyline Aventyl, Pamelor
Paroxetine Aropax, Paxil, Pexeva, Seroxat
Phenelzine Nardil
Protriptyline Vivactil
Reboxetine Edronax, Norebox, Prolift, Solvex, Vestra
Rubidium chloride Rubinorm
Selegiline Emsam
Sertraline Zoloft, Lustral
Doxepin Deptran, Prudoxin, Sinequan, .
Tianeptine Stablon, Coaxil, Tatinol
Tranylcypromine Parnate
Trazodone Azona, Deprax, Desyrel, Oleptro, Trittico, Thombran
Venlafaxine Efectin, Efexor, Effexor, Efexor XR, Trevilor (slow release)
Vilazodone Viibryd
Vortioxetine U Trintellix

Non-pharmaceutical

INN Common brand names

Tryptophan

Insomnia

Benzodiazepines

INN Common brand names

Brotizolam Lendormin
Estazolam Eurodin, ProSom
Flunitrazepam Hipnosedon, Hypnodorm, Rohypnol, Vulbegal
Flurazepam Dalmadorm, Dalmane
Loprazolam Dormonoct
Lormetazepam Noctamid
Midazolam Dormicum, Hypnofast
Nimetazepam Erimin
Nitrazepam Alodorm, Dumolid, Mogadon, Pacisyn, Radedorm 5
Phenazepam Phenazepam, Phenorelaxan, Phezipam
Quazepam Doral, Dormalin
Temazepam Normison, Restoril
Triazolam Halcion

Z-drugs

INN Common brand names

Eszopiclon
Lunesta
e
Zaleplon Andante, Sonata, Starnoc
Zolpidem Ambien CR, Hypnogen, Intermezzo, Ivadal, Sanval, Snovitel, Stilnoct, Stilnox, Sublinox
Zopiclone Imovane, Imrest, Piclodorm, Somnol, Zimovane
Melatonergic agents

INN Common brand names

Agomelatin
Melitor, Thymanax, Valdoxan
e
Melatonin Circadin, Melaxen
Ramelteon Rozerem

Barbiturates

INN Common brand names

Amobarbital Amytal Sodium
Amobarbital/secobarbital Tuinal
Butobarbital Neonal, Soneryl
Cyclobarbital/diazepam Reladorm
Pentobarbital Nembutal Sodium
Phenobarbital Luminal
Secobarbital Seconal Sodium

Sedating antidepressants

INN Common brand names

Amitriptyline Elavil, Endep, Laroxyl, Lentizol, Saroten, Sarotex, Tryptizol, Tryptomer
Doxepin Doxepin, Silenor
Mianserin Bolvidon, Depnon, Lerivon, Tolvon
Mirtazapine Avanza, Remeron, Zispin
Trazodone Azona, Deprax, Desyrel, Oleptro, Trittico, Thombran
Trimipramine Rhotrimine, Stangyl, Surmontil

Antihistamines

INN Common brand names

Alimemazine Nedeltran, Theralen, Theralene, Theraligene
Cyproheptadine Periactin, Peritol
Diphenhydramin
Benadryl, Dimedrol, Daedalon, Nytol
e
Doxylamine Donormyl, Dormidina, Dozile, NyQuil, Restavit, Somnil, Unisom SleepTab
Hydroxyzine Atarax, Vistaril
Avomine, Fargan, Phenergan, Pipolphen, Promethegan, Prothiazine, Romergan,
Promethazine
Sominex

Others

INN Common brand names

Chloral hydrate Chloraldurat, Somnote
Clomethiazole Distraneurin, Heminevrin
Glutethimide Doriden
Niaprazine Nopron
Sodium oxybate Alcover, Xyrem
Tizanidine Sirdalud, Zanaflex

Non-pharmaceutical

INN Common brand names

Motherwort
Tryptophan
Valerian

Psychosis, including schizophrenia (antipsychotics)

Mild strength

INN Common brand names

Chlorprothixene Truxal
Levomepromazine Levium, Levomepromazine Neuraxph., Neurocil
Perazine Perazin Neuraxph., Taxilan
Promethazine Atosil, Closin, Promethazin Neuraxph., Proneurin, Prothazin
Prothipendyl Dominal
Sulpiride Dogmatil, Dogmatyl, Sulpirid
Thioridazine Mellaril, Thioridazin Neuraxph.
Medium strength

INN Common brand names

Zuclopenthixo
Cisordinol, Clopixol
l

Strong strength

INN Common brand names

Perphenazine Trilafon

Very strong strength

INN Common brand names

Benperidol Benperidol Neuraxph., Glianimon
Bromperidol Impromen
Anatensol, Dapotum D, Deconoat, Fludecate,
decanoate
Modecate, Prolixin Decanoate, Sinqualone
Fluphenazin Dapotum Injektion, Flunanthate, Moditen
enanthate
e Enanthate Injection, Sinqualone Enantat
Dapotum, Permitil, Prolixin, Lyogen, Moditen,
hydrochloride
Omca, Sediten, Selecten, Sevinol, Siqualone, Trancin
Fluspirilen Fluspi, Fluspirilen Beta, Imap
Haloperidol Haldol, Serenase
Pimozide Orap

Other antipsychotics

INN Common brand names

Amisulpride Solian
Aripiprazole Abilify
Asenapine Saphris
Chlorpromazine Largactil, Thorazine
Clozapine Clozaril, Fazaclo, Leponex
Flupenthixol Depixol, Fluanxol
Iloperidone Fanapt
Melperone Eunerpan, Melneurin
Olanzapine Zyprexa, Zyprexa Relprevv
Paliperidone Invega, Invega Sustenna
Penfluridol Semap
Quetiapine Seroquel
Reserpine Raudixin, Serpalan, Serpasil
Risperidone Belivon, Risperdal, Risperdal Consta
Sertindole Serdolect, Serlect
Thiothixene Navane
Eskazinyl, Eskazine, Jatroneural, Modalina,
Trifluoperazine
Stelazine, Terfluzine, Trifluoperaz, Triftazin
Ziprasidone Geodon, Zeldox
Zotepine Nipolept
Pericyazine Neulactil (not approved for sale in the US)

Adjuncts

INN Common brand names

Carbamazepine See mood stabilizers section above
Valproic acid See mood stabilizers section above
 drug prefixes, roots, and suffixes

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

These prefixes, roots, and suffixes apply only to generic names.

prefix, root,
examples (generic names) drug class or drug category
suffix
phosphodiesterase (PDE)
-afil avanafil; sildenafil; tadalafil; vardenafil
inhibitor
betamethasone; dexamethasone; diflorasone;
-asone corticosteroid
fluticasone; mometasone
-bicin doxorubicin; epirubicin; idarubicin; valrubicin antineoplastic; cytotoxic agent
butabarbital; butalbital; phenobarbital;
-bital barbiturate (sedative)
secobarbital
bupivacaine; lidocaine; mepivacaine;
-caine local anesthetic
prilocaine; proparacaine
cefaclor; cefdinir; cefixime; cefprozil;
cef-, ceph- cephalosporin antibiotic
cephalexin
amoxicillin; ampicillin; dicloxacillin; nafcillin;
-cillin penicillin antibiotic
oxacillin
cort clocortolone; fludrocortisone; hydrocortisone corticosteroid
demeclocycline; doxycycline; minocycline;
-cycline tetracycline antibiotic
tetracycline
albendazole; mebendazole; metronidazole; anthelmintic; antibiotic;
-dazole
tinidazole antibacterial
amlodipine; felodipine; nifedipine;
-dipine calcium channel blocker
nimodipine; nisoldipine
alendronate; etidronate; ibandronate; bisphosphonate; bone resorption
-dronate
risedronate inhibitor
-eprazole esomeprazole; omeprazole; rabeprazole proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
-fenac bromfenac; diclofenac; nepafenac NSAID
besifloxacin; ciprofloxacin; levofloxacin;
-floxacin quinolone antibiotic
moxifloxacin; ofloxacin
antidiabetic; inhibitor of the
-gliptin saxagliptin; sitagliptin; linagliptin
DPP-4 enzyme
-glitazone pioglitazone; rosiglitazone; troglitazone antidiabetic; thiazolidinedione
-iramine brompheniramine; chlorpheniramine; antihistamine
 pheniramine
acetazolamide; brinzolamide; dorzolamide;
-lamide carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
methazolamide
adalimumab; daclizumab; infliximab;
-mab monoclonal antibody
omalizumab; trastuzumab
carmustine; estramustine; lomustine;
-mustine alkylating agent (antineoplastic)
bendamustine
azithromycin; clarithromycin; clindamycin;
-mycin antibiotic; antibacterial
erythromycin
muscarinic antagonist
-nacin darifenacin; solifenacin
(anticholinergic)
fluconazole; ketoconazole; miconazole;
-nazole antifungal
terconazole; tioconazole
atenolol; metoprolol; nadolol; pindolol;
-olol beta blocker
propranolol; timolol
fluocinolone; fluorometholone; prednisolone;
-olone corticosteroid
triamcinolone
-olone nandrolone; oxandrolone; oxymetholone anabolic steroid
budesonide; ciclesonide; desonide;
-onide corticosteroid
fluocinonide; halcinonide
-oprazole dexlansoprazole; lansoprazole; pantoprazole proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
dalteparin; enoxaparin; fondaparinux; heparin; antithrombotic; anticoagulant
parin; -parin
tinzaparin (blood thinner)
aminophylline; dyphylline; oxtriphylline; xanthine derivative
-phylline
theophylline (bronchodilator)
clomipramine; desipramine; imipramine;
-pramine tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)
trimipramine
loteprednol; prednicarbate; prednisolone;
pred; pred- corticosteroid
prednisone
benazepril; captopril; enalapril; lisinopril;
-pril ACE inhibitor
moexipril; ramipril
fenoprofen; flurbiprofen; ibuprofen;
-profen NSAID
ketoprofen
-ridone iloperidone; paliperidone; risperidone atypical antipsychotic
candesartan; irbesartan; losartan; olmesartan; angiotensin II receptor
-sartan
valsartan antagonist; ARB
-semide furosemide; torsemide loop diuretic (water pill)
 alosetron; dolasetron; granisetron; serotonin 5-HT3 receptor
-setron
ondansetron; palonosetron antagonist
dolasetron; granisetron; ondansetron;
-setron antiemetic and antinauseant
palonosetron
atorvastatin; lovastatin; pitavastatin; HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor;
-statin
pravastatin; rosuvastatin; simvastatin statins
sulfacetamide; sulfadiazine; sulfamethoxazole; antibiotic; anti-infective; anti-
sulfa-
sulfasalazine inflammatory
alcaftadine; cyproheptadine; desloratadine;
-tadine antihistamine
loratadine; olopatadine
-tadine amantadine; rimantadine antiviral; anti-influenza-A
albuterol; arformoterol; formoterol;
-terol beta agonist; bronchodilator
levalbuterol; salmeterol
chlorothiazide; hydrochlorothiazide;
-thiazide thiazide diuretic (water pill)
methyclothiazide
crizotinib; dasatinib; erlotinib; gefitinib;
-tinib antineoplastic (kinase inhibitor)
imatinib
desogestrel; etonogestrel; levonorgestrel;
-trel female hormone (progestin)
norgestrel
tretin-; tretin; retinoid; dermatologic agent;
acitretin; alitretinoin; isotretinoin; tretinoin
-tretin form of vitamin A
almotriptan; eletriptan; rizatriptan; antimigraine; selective 5-HT
-triptan
sumatriptan; zolmitriptan receptor agonist
-tyline amitriptyline; nortriptyline; protriptyline tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)
abacavir; efavirenz; enfuvirtide; nevirapine;
vir; -vir antiviral; anti-HIV
ritonavir; tenofovir
adefovir; entecavir; ribavirin (along with
vir; -vir antiviral; anti-hepatitis
interferon)
acyclovir; famciclovir; penciclovir;
-vir antiviral; anti-herpes
valacyclovir
-vir cidofovir; ganciclovir; valganciclovir antiviral; anti-CMV
-vir oseltamivir; zanamivir antiviral; anti-flu
-vudine lamivudine; stavudine; telbivudine; zidovudine antiviral; nucleoside analogues
clonazepam; diazepam; flurazepam;
-zepam benzodiazepine
lorazepam; temazepam
-zodone nefazodone, trazodone, vilazodone antidepressant
-zolam alprazolam; estazolam; midazolam; triazolam benzodiazepine
 -zosin alfuzosin; doxazosin; prazosin; terazosin alpha blocker
prefix, root,
examples (generic names) drug class or drug category
suffix

TOP 200 DRUG SUFFIX LIST

PREFIX / SUFFIX ..................... USE / CLASS

_____-Pril ................... ACE Inhibitor

_____-olol .................. Beta Blocker

___-sartan .................. A2RB

___-statin .................. Cholesterol

Pred-___ ................... Steroid

___-asone ................... Steroid

___-olone .................... Steroid

__-thiazide ................... Diuretic

___-gliptin .................... Anti-Diabetic

___-zepam .................. Benzo

___-zolam ................... Benzo

__-zodone ................... Anti-Depressant

__-nazole ..................... Anti-Fungal

Ceph- ___ .................... Anti-Biotic

____-cillin ..................... Anti-Biotic

__-cycline ..................... Anti-Biotic

___-mycin .................... Anti-Biotic

__-floxacin .................... Anti-Biotic

_____-vir ...................... Anti-Viral

_-eprazole .................... P. Pump Inhibitor

_-oprazole .................... P. Pump Inhibitor

__-tidine ....................... H2 Antagonist

__-dipine ...................... Calcium Ch. Block