Types of Mental Health Medications 

Mental and behavioral health conditions that cause mild symptoms that don’t interfere with daily routines can usually be managed through the help of primary care providers and routine checkups. But when they become overwhelming, persistent, or start to affect quality of life, behavioral health intervention is often necessary. Mental health medications are oftentimes helpful to help regain peace and balance during a struggle with mental disorders. 

There are several different medications that are used to treat mental and behavioral health disorders. These include, but are not limited to: 

• Antidepressants – Used to treat both depression and some anxiety disorders, they can improve mood, increase energy, and help individuals focus. These medications are not addictive and do not cause drug dependency. Most often, these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). 
• Anti-anxiety medications – These medications primarily target generalized anxiety and panic disorders, but may also help in reducing agitation and insomnia in other types of disorders. Long-term anti-anxiety medications are usually SSRIs or SNRIs, but short-term medications can be used to help control panic attacks or severe anxiety. Short-term anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines can cause dependency, so caution needs to be exercised when taking these medications. 
• Mood stabilizers – Most commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, but are sometimes used to treat depression disorders. 
• Antipsychotics – Typically used to treat psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, but may also be used in combination with antidepressants to treat depression or other disorders. 

As with any medication, patients and their providers should weigh the potential benefits against the risks of mental health medications before taking them. Some mental health medications can cause minor to severe side effects, which are more common during the first month of starting a new medication. As the mind and body adjust to the medication, these side effects should subside. 

Medication Management with Xpress Wellness Behavioral Health

At Xpress Wellness, we have therapists and psychologists available for counseling, and advanced practice providers specifically trained in assessing mental health problems. These providers can prescribe psychiatric medications and evaluate medication options through virtual visits. Schedule a behavioral health consultation to begin a journey of overall wellness that comes from sound health – both mind and body.