Medication guide
What these medicines do,
and what they cost you.
33 medicines prescribed for mental health, grouped by the family they belong to. What each is used for, the side effects people notice most, and the one thing worth knowing before you start.
Only take medication under the advice of a medical practitioner.
This page is general education, not medical advice or a prescription. Never start, change or stop a medicine without your GP, psychiatrist or pharmacist. If you feel unwell on one, contact your prescriber, or call 111 if it cannot wait.
33 medicines
SSRIs
6The most widely prescribed antidepressants. Usually the first choice for depression and many anxiety disorders.
Other antidepressants
4Second-line antidepressants, and options when sleep, appetite or pain are part of the picture.
Tricyclics
2Older antidepressants, now mostly used at low doses for pain, migraine or sleep.
Anxiety & sedation
5Relief for intense anxiety. Most of these are meant for weeks, not for months of daily use.
Antipsychotics
5For psychosis and mania, and sometimes as an add-on in severe depression or OCD.
Mood stabilisers
3To prevent the swings of bipolar disorder. Blood tests are part of the deal.
ADHD medication
3Stimulant and non-stimulant options, usually started and monitored by a specialist.
Sleep
2Short courses and gentler options for nights that will not settle.
Dependence & withdrawal
3Medication that replaces or blocks a substance while you stabilise.
If you are thinking of stopping
Most of these medicines are stopped by stepping down the dose over weeks, not by stopping overnight. A pharmacist can explain exactly how, free of charge, without an appointment.