From Textbook (Drugs Vocabulary) - Unit 14: Psychiatry

antianxiety drugs

Treat anxiety and neurosis. They are also known as anxiolytic drugs and minor tranquilizers. Examples: alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium)

antidepressant drugs

Treat depression by prolonging the action of norepinephrine or serotonin. Categories include tricyclic, tetracyclic, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Examples: bupropion (Wellbutrin), doxepin (Sinequan), duloxetine (Cymbalta), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft)

antipsychotic drugs

Treat psychosis, paranoia, and schizophrenia by blocking dopamine receptors in the limbic system. They are also known as major tranquilizers. Examples: aripiprazole (Abilify), haloperidol (Haldol), risperidone (Risperdal)

drugs for alcoholism

Inhibit an enzyme that metabolizes the breakdown products of alcohol. Patients on this drug who drink alcohol experience headache, dizziness, nausea, and even heart arrhythmias. This unpleasant reaction is a deterrent to drinking alcohol. Examples: disulfiram (Antabuse)

drugs for bipolar disorder

Lessen the severity of mood swings between the two emotional poles of mania and depression. These include antipsychotic drugs and anticonvulsant drugs. Examples: lamotrigine (Lamictal), levetiracetam (Keppra), lithium (Lithobid)

drugs for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Treat the depression and anxiety associated with this psychiatric mood disorder. Examples: fluoxetine (Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft)