Download Commonly Prescribed Psychiatric Medications

Commonly Prescribed Psychiatric Drugs
Brand
Generic
Recommended Starting Dosage
Description
Abilify
aripiprazole
10 mg to 15 mg given once daily
Used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder (manic depression).
Also used together with other medicines to treat major depressive disorder in adults.
Adderall
amphetamine and
dextroamphetamine
Varies - usually 1 to 3 times a day
Used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Ambien
zolpidem
Based on gender, age, medical condition, other
medications you may be taking, and response to
treatment. No more than 10 milligrams a day.
Used to treat insomnia
Antabuse
disulfiram
A maximum of 500 mg daily is given in a single
dose for one to two weeks.
Used to treat alcohol addiction
Aricept
donepezil
Varies - usually 23 mg once daily
Used to slow the progression of dementia
Anafranil
clomipramine
Usually taken once daily, at bedtime. Daily dose
will not be more than 250 milligrams
Tricyclic antidepressant Used for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Ativan
lorazepam
Usual range is 2 to 6 mg/day given in divided
doses. The daily dosage may vary from 1 to 10
mg/day.
A benzodiazepine used to relieve anxiety
BuSpar
buspirone
Initial dose: 7.5 mg orally two times a day or 5 mg
3 times a day.
An anti-anxiety medication
Benzodiazepines
diazepam,
lorazepam,
chlordiazepoxide,
oxazepam,
temazepam,
nitrazepam,
loprazolam,
lormetazepam,
clobazam and
clonazepam.
Varies depending on the medication. diazepam - 2
to 10 mg 2 to 4 times a day.
A class of sedatives
Celexa
citalopram
hydrobromide
Initial dose of 20 mg once daily, with an increase to
a maximum dose of 40 mg/day at an interval of no
less than one week.
An antidepressant of the SSRI class (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)
Clozaril
clozapine
The starting dose is 12.5 mg once daily or twice
daily. The total daily dose can be increased in
increments of 25 mg to 50 mg per day, if
well-tolerated, to achieve a target dose of 300 mg
to 450 mg per day (administered in divided doses)
by the end of 2 weeks.
An atypical antipsychotic used to treat severe schizophrenia, or to reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in people with
schizophrenia or similar disorders.
Concerta
Methylphenidate
hydrochloride
18 mg once daily for children and adolescents and
18 or 36 mg once daily for adults
An extended release form of methylphenidate (NDRI used to treat ADD/ADHD and narcolepsy.)
Cymbalta
Duloxetine
Total dose of 40 mg/day (given as 20 mg twice
daily) to 60 mg/day (given either once daily or as
30 mg twice daily)
An antidepressant of the SSNRI (Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor) class, similar to Effexor
(venlafaxine)
Depakote
divalproex
Initial dose is 750 mg daily in divided doses.
Should be increased as rapidly as possible to
achieve the lowest therapeutic dose which
produces the desired clinical effect.
An antiepileptic and mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder, neuropathic pain and others. Sometimes called an
antimanic medication
Doxepin
Sinequan
Depends on severity of symptoms. Initial dose:
anywhere from 25-150 mg per day in 1 to 3 divided
doses.
A tricyclic antidepressant,also used to treat nerve pain, insomnia a.similar to imipramine
Effexor
venlafaxine
Starting dose is 75 mg/day in two or three divided
doses. It may be increased to 150 mg/day. If
needed, the dose should be further increased up to
225 mg/day.
Elavil
amitriptyline
Usual dose: 75 mg orally per day in divided doses; A tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), less commonly used these days as an antidepressant or to treat psychiatric conditions
may be increased to a maximum of 150 mg/day
(considered a first line treatment option for neuropathic pain)
Eskalith
lithium carbonate
900-2400 mg/day PO divided q6-8hr
A salt of Lithium, which is a mood stabilizer used to prevent bipolar disorder.
Fluoxetine
Prozac
Initial dose: 20 mg orally once a day, increased
after several weeks. Maximum dose: 80 mg orally
per day.
An SSRI drug used to treat major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder) obsessive-compulsive
disorder, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Fluvoxamine
Luvox
50 mg orally once a day. Dose may be increased
in 50 mg increments every 4 to 7 days, as
tolerated. Max Dose: 300 mg/day.
The first SSRI drug. It is indicated to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (US) and both OCD and depression
elsewhere in the world.
Gabitril
Tiagabine
Initial Dose: 4 mg once a day. May be titrated up
eventually to 24 to 32 mg/day in two to four divided
doses.
A mood stabilizer and anticonvulsant.
Geodon
ziprasidone
Initial dose of 20 mg twice daily. May be adjusted
up to 80 mg twice daily.
An "atypical" antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Haldol
haloperidol
Initial dose: 0.5 to 5 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day. A "typical" antipsychotic, one of the oldest, usually given in conjunction with "cogentin", an antiparkinsonic. This is due
Dosage may go up to: 1 to 30 mg/day in 2 or 3 to the high occurrence of tardive dyskinesia on patients with prolonged Haldol use. Used for treating schizophrenia and
divided doses.
to control symptoms associated with Tourette disorder.
Imipramine
imipramine
Initial dose: 100 mg per day. Maximum dose: 300
mg per day.
A tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) which is sometimes used to treat bulimia, panic disorder, or related disorders
Inderal
Propranolol
Initial dose: 40 mg 2 times a day. Maximum: 640
mg per day
A beta blocker used for acute anxiety, panic attacks, hypertension.
Invega Sustenna
paliperidone palmitate
Keppra
levetiracetam
Initial dose: 500 mg twice daily. Maximum daily
dose of 3000 mg.
An anticonvulsant drug which is sometimes used as a mood stabilizer
Klonopin
clonazepam
Initial dose: 0.25 mg 2 times per day. Maximum
dose: 4 mg per day.
An anti-anxiety and anti-epileptic medication of the benzodiazepine class
Lamictal
lamotrigine
Varies depending on other medications. Weeks 1
& 2: 25 mg daily. Weeks 3 & 4: 50 mg daily. Week
5: 100 mg. Week 6: 200 mg.
A mood stabilizer of the anticonvulsant class
Latuda
lurasidone
hydrochloride
Initial dose: 40 mg daily. Titration is not required.
Maximum dose:160 mg per day
An atypical anti-psychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Lexapro
escitalopram
Initial dose: 10 mg once daily. Maximum of 20 mg.
An antidepressant of the SSRI class used to treat major depressive disorder and anxiety
Librium
chlordiazepoxide
hydrochloride
Dosage: 20 mg or 25 mg, 3 or 4 times daily
The first anti-anxiety medication of the benzodiazepine class. Used for anxiety disorders and withdrawal symptoms due
to alcoholism
An antidepressant of the SSNRI (or SNRI) class
Injection of 234 mg on treatment day 1 and 156 mg An atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, delusions, and aggression. Works by blocking
one week later, both administered in the deltoid
D2 and Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.
muscle.
Lithium
Lithium
Usual dose: 1800 mg/day.
A mood stabilizer used in treating bipolar disorder
Lithobid
lithium carbonate
Usual dose: 1800 mg/day.
A trade drug of the antipsychotic drug lithium, which is a mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder
Luminal
phenobarbital
Sedation: 30 to 120 mg in 3 divided doses.
Maximum dose: 400 mg during a 24-hour period
A barbiturate, sedative and hypnotic properties
Lunesta
eszopiclone
Starting dose: 1 mg. Can be raised to 2 or 3 mg.
A sleep aid
Luvox
Fluvoxamine
Initial dose: 50 mg once a day. Maximum Dose:
300 mg per day
An antidepressant of the SSRI class, often used to treat Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Mellaril
thioridazine
Initial dose: 50 to 100 mg 3 times a day. May
gradually increase to 200 to 800 mg/day in 2 to 4
divided doses.
An antipsychotic, today rarely used
Namenda
memantine
Starting dose: 5 mg once daily. Should be
increased in 5 mg increments to 10 mg/day (5 mg
twice daily), 15 mg/day (5 mg and 10 mg as
separate doses), and 20 mg/day (10 mg twice
daily)
Used to slow the progression of Alzheimer's Dementia
Navane
Thiothixene
The usual optimal dose is 20 to 30 mg daily. An
increase to 60 mg/day total daily dose is often
effective.
An antipsychotic, today rarely used but for treating schizophrenia.
Neurontin
gabapentin
Starting dose is 300 mg three times a day.
An anticonvulsant (anti-seizure medication) which is sometimes used as a mood stabilizer or to treat chronic pain, partic
Parnate
Tranylcypromine
Initial dose: 10 mg twice a day. Maximum dosage
of 60 mg/day.
An MAOI used for treating depression.
Paxil
paroxetine
Initial dose is 20 mg/day. Maximum of 50 mg/day
An SSRI antidepressant, used frequently to treat depression and anxiety disorders
Phenelzine
Nardil
Initial dose: 15 mg 3 times daily. Can be increased
to at least 60 mg daily and in some cases 90 mg
daily.
MAOI for depression
Pristiq
desvenlafaxine
Recommended dose is 50 mg once daily
An SNRI antidepressant
Prolixin
fluphenazine
Initial dose: 0.5 to 10 mg/day orally in divided
doses every 6 to 8 hours.
An antipsychotic used for treating certain mental or mood disorders (eg, schizophrenia)
Prozac
Fluoxetine
Initial dose: 20 mg once a day. Maximum dose: 80
mg per day.
An SSRI antidepressant
Remeron
mirtazapine
Initial dose: 15 mg orally once a day. Maximum
dose: 45 mg/day
An antidepressant which is often used as a sleep aid
Restoril
temazepam
Recommended usual adult dose is 15 mg.
A sleep aid of the benzodiazepine class
Risperdal
risperidone
Initial dose: 2 mg per day. Target dose: 4 to 8 mg
per day. Maximum dose: 16 mg per day
An "atypical" antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression).
Ritalin
methylphenidate
Average dosage is 20 to 30 mg daily. Some
patients may require 40 to 60 mg daily.
A stimulant used to treat ADHD/ADD
Saphris
Asenapine Maleate
Starting dose is 10 mg twice daily. The dose can
be decreased to 5 mg twice daily if warranted by
adverse effects.
An atypical antipsychotic
Serax
oxazepam
Usual dose for anxiety: 10 to 15 mg, 3 or 4 times
per day.
An anti-anxiety medication of the benzodiazepine class, often used to help during detoxification from alcohol or other
drugs of abuse
Seroquel
quetiapine
Initial Dose: Day 1: 25 mg twice daily. Increase in
increments of 25 mg-50 mg divided two or three
times on Days 2 and 3 to range of 300-400 mg by
Day 4.
An "atypical" antipsychotic, sometimes is used as a sleep aid when given in low doses
Serzone
nefazodone
hydrochloride
Initial dose: 200 mg/day, administered in two
divided doses.
An "atypical" antidepressant used to relieve symptoms of depression.
Sonata
zaleplon
Usual dose: 5 to 20 mg before bedtime.
A non-benzodiazepine hypnotic
Stelazine
trifluoperazine
Initial dose: 2 to 5 mg twice a day
An older antipsychotic, today rarely used for treating schizophrenia. It may also be used for the short-term treatment of
certain types of anxiety.
Strattera
Atomoxetine
hydrochloride
Initial Dose: 0.5 mg/kg, increased after a minimum
of 3 days to a target total daily dose of 1.2 mg/kg
either as a single daily dose in the morning or as
evenly divided doses in the morning and late
afternoon/early evening.
A non-stimulant medication used to treat ADD/ADHD
Sycrest
Asenapine Maleate
Starting dose is 10 mg twice daily. The dose can
be decreased to 5 mg twice daily if warranted by
adverse effects.
An atypical antipsychotic
Thorazine
chlorpromazine
Topamax
topiramate
Initial dose 25mg twice a day. Should be titrated
up weekly eventually to 400 mg/day in two divided
doses.
A mood stabilizer, also used for migraine headaches
Trazodone
Trazodone
Initial Dose: 150 mg per day in divided doses. May
be increased by 50 mg per day every 3 to 4 days.
Maximum dose: 400 mg per day in divided doses.
An atypical antidepressant, most typically used now as a sleep aid
Trileptal
trileptal
Initial dose of 600 mg/day, given in a twice-a-day
regimen. Dose may be increased by a maximum of
600 mg/day at weekly intervals. Recommended
daily dose is 1200 mg/day.
A mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder
Valium
diazepam
Usual Dose: 2 to 10 mg 2 to 4 times a day.
An anti-anxiety medication of the benzodiazepine class
Vistaril
hydroxyzine pamoate
Usual dosage: 50 to 100 mg 4 times a day
An antihistamine for the treatment of itches and irritations, an antiemetic, as a weak analgesic, an opioid potentiator,
and as an anxiolytic. Used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension.
Vyvanse
lisdexamfetamine
Initial dose: 30 mg once daily in the morning. May
be adjusted in increments of 10 mg or 20 mg at
weekly intervals up to maximum dose of 70
mg/day.
A stimulant used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Wellbutrin
bupropion
Initial dose: 100 mg twice a day, increase if
necessary after 3 days to 100 mg three times a
day. Maximum dose: 450 mg per day in up to 4
divided doses.
An antidepressant of the norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) class, structurally identical to Zyban, a
smoking cessation aid
Xanax
alprazolam
Initial dose: 0.25 to 0.5 mg 3 times daily. May be
increased at intervals of 3 to 4 days, to a maximum
daily dose of 4 mg, given in divided doses.
An anti-anxiety medication of the benzodiazepine class
Zoloft
sertraline
Initial dosage: 50 mg once daily
An antidepressant of the SSRI class Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
Zolpidem
Ambien
Usual dose: 5 to 10 mg daily before bedtime.
Maximum dose: 10 mg daily.
A non-benzodiazepine hypnotic
Zyprexa
olanzapine
Initial dose: 5 to 10 mg, with a target dose of 10
mg/day within several days.
An "atypical" antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder,
and various types of dementia and /sometimes OCD(obsessive compulsive disorder.
Initial Dose: 10 to 25 mg 3 times a day. Total daily
doses should be increased in 20 to 50 mg
An older antipsychotic, although highly effective it is rarely used today because of the high occurrence of serious side
increments every 3 or 4 days until symptoms are
effects
controlled