Know Your Medicine

Good to know: One of the most prescribed antidepressants and often a first choice. Taking it with food can ease nausea; morning dosing helps if it feels activating.

Good to know: Generally well tolerated with relatively few drug interactions, which makes it a common option for people on multiple medications.

Good to know: Energizing rather than sedating, so it is usually taken in the morning. It is also approved for certain uses in children and adolescents.

Good to know: More sedating than most SSRIs and more prone to withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, so tapering is especially important. It is generally avoided during pregnancy.

Good to know: Doses above 40 mg (20 mg for adults over 60) are not recommended because of heart-rhythm (QT interval) considerations.

Good to know: Because it leaves the body quickly, taking it every day at the same time matters. Blood pressure is monitored, especially at higher doses.

Good to know: A frequent choice when depression coexists with chronic pain conditions. Heavy alcohol use is discouraged because of liver considerations.

Good to know: Minimal dose adjustments are typically needed, which makes it easy to manage long-term.

Good to know: Rarely causes sexual side effects and can be layered onto another antidepressant for energy and motivation. It is not appropriate for people with seizure disorders or active eating disorders, and it can worsen anxiety in some people.

Good to know: Often chosen when depression comes with significant insomnia or appetite loss, and it is frequently used for older adults. Lower doses are typically more sedating than higher ones.

Good to know: Most often prescribed at low doses as a non-habit-forming sleep aid. A rare but serious side effect, a prolonged erection, requires emergency care.

Good to know: Takes two to four weeks to reach full effect and is not habit-forming. It is not effective for panic attacks or as-needed anxiety relief.

Good to know: A non-habit-forming option for short-term or situational anxiety, commonly used before medical procedures or during early treatment while longer-term medications build up.

Good to know: Fast-acting but habit-forming, so they are intended for short-term or carefully supervised use. Never combine with alcohol or opioids, and stopping requires a slow taper. Longer-term anxiety is better treated with SSRIs, SNRIs, or therapy.

Good to know: One of the most effective treatments in psychiatry and proven to reduce suicide risk. Regular blood tests keep the level in a safe range; stay hydrated, and check before using ibuprofen or similar anti-inflammatories, which can raise levels.

Good to know: Requires periodic blood tests for liver function and blood counts. It is not used during pregnancy because of a high risk of birth defects, and it interacts with alcohol.

Good to know: The dose must increase slowly over several weeks; rushing this raises the risk of a serious rash. Any rash, blistering, or mouth sores means stopping the medication and seeking medical care immediately.

Good to know: Frequently added to an antidepressant when depression has not fully responded. Long-acting injectable versions are available for monthly dosing.

Good to know: Weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol are monitored regularly during treatment. Low doses are sometimes used for sleep, though this use carries the same metabolic considerations.

Good to know: Often used at low doses, including in children and adolescents. Movement effects are monitored at each visit, and a long-acting injectable version is available.

Good to know: Must be taken with food (at least 350 calories) for proper absorption. It is known for causing less weight gain than many alternatives.

Good to know: Available in short-acting (4-6 hours) and long-acting (8-12 hours) forms. A solid breakfast and good late-day meal offset appetite effects, and medication is stored securely and never shared.

Good to know: Long-acting forms cover 8-14 hours with a smoother rise and fade than short-acting versions. Dose titration is guided by focus goals and side-effect feedback over several visits.

Good to know: Takes four to six weeks for full effect, so early patience matters. A good option when stimulants are not tolerated, when substance-use history is a concern, or when 24-hour coverage is preferred.

Good to know: Especially useful for emotional reactivity, tics, or as an add-on to a stimulant. It should not be stopped abruptly, and blood pressure is monitored.