Articles Index
A Primer on Mental Health Medications
Mental health medications are used to treat a number of mental disorders. Read about schizophrenia medications, antidepressants, bipolar medications, and anxiety medications.
SSRI Antidepressants May Save Lives
The SSRI class of antidepressants has been under attack in the past few years, since some studies suggested that these drugs can increase the risk of suicide in young people. A July 2006 study has found that suicide rates in the U.S. have decreased as the rate of fluoxetine (Prozac) prescriptions has increased.
Antidepressant Medications
Antidepressant medications are one of the most important treatments for depression. Along with psychotherapy, these medications can be lifesaving, and they improve the quality of life for millions.
Mental Health Medications for Anxiety
Medications for anxiety benzodiazepines clonazepam Klonopin alprazolam Xanax diazepam Valium lorazepam Ativan buspirone buspar propranolol Inderal Inderide
Mental Health Medications
Medications are often used to treat mental health problems. They don't cure, but they can be very effective at managing symptoms. Antipsychotic medications are the first line treatments for schizophrenia and similar disorders.
Medications for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder (sometimes called manic depression) is a mental health disorder characterized by mood swings. A number of different medications are used to treat the symptoms of this disorder.
Prozac Found in U.K. Drinking Water Supply
Traces of the anti-depressant Prozac (fluoxitine) have been found in the United Kingdom's water supply.
Antipsychotic Drugs Increase Children's Diabetes 2 Risk
2004 research has found that a group of drugs known as "atypical antipsychotics" that are commonly used to treat children with aggression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia may trigger insulin resistance, a condition that increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease later in life.
FDA Panel Wants Suicide Warning on Antidepressants
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commission voted 15-8 on September 14, 2004 to recommend that the FDA require makers of SSRI antidepressants to add a "black box" label warning that the drugs can be linked to suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and adolescents.
Cymbalta for the Treatment of Depression and Pain
Dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor Cymbalta is FDA approved, giving doctors and patients a new option for treating depression.
Newer Antipsychotic Medications Slightly Increase the Risk of Death in Elderly
Patients with dementia who took atypical antipsychotic drugs had a slightly increased risk of death compared to patients who took placebo, according to a meta-analysis. This is not a particularly unexpected finding, and does not mean that these medications should be avoided totally in this population.
Serzone Pulled from U.S. Market
Bristol-Myers Squibb announced that it is pulling its antidepressant Serzone (nefazodone) from the U.S. market. The controversial antidepressant has already been banned from sale in many countries because of links to cases of liver failure and injury, and at least 20 deaths.