We’ve listed some of the common medications that we prescribe in our CAMHS team and a little bit of information about what each of them are used for. Each medicine has a balance of good and bad effects, and each person gets their own individual effects.
It’s important to remember that one medication that might work for you might not necessarily work for someone else; you just have to find what works for you and your psychiatrist will discuss this with you.
Aripiprazole "arry-PIP-ra-zole"
Aripiprazole is an anti-psychotic medication used to treat the symptoms conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, it can also be used to help with Tics and to regulate mood.
Atomoxetine "A-tom-OX-et-een"
Atomoxetine is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It has also been used to treat behaviour problems in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Citalopram "sit-AL-o-pram"
Citalopram is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Citalopram is used to treat depression and anxiety.
Fluoxetine "Flu-OX-et-een" Other names: Prozac"PRO-zak"
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressant. Fluoxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Melatonin "MEL-a-TOE-nin" Other names: Circadin ®"SER-ka-din"
Melatonin is a manmade form of a hormone produced in the brain that helps regulate your sleep and wake cycle. Melatonin has been used in alternative medicine in treating insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep).
Methylphenidate "MEE-thile-FEN-i-date" Other names: Ritalin ®"RIT-a-lin", Concerta XL ®"con-SERT-a"
Methylphenidate regulates chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Therefore Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy.
Quetiapine "qwe-TIE-a-peen"
Quetiapine is an antipsychotic medicine used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and to regulate mood.
Risperidone "ris-PER-i-doan" Other names: Risperdal ®"ris-PER-dal"
Risperidone is a antipsychotic medicine used to treat schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder. It is also used in autistic children to treat symptoms of irritability.
Sertraline "SIR-tra-leen"
Sertraline is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
For more information:
Visit Headmeds – a website for young people with information about medications and common conditions.