Antidepressants
This class of medications is often the first-line treatment for depression and anxiety in adolescents.
What are SSRIs?
These medications are often used short-term for severe anxiety but can be habit-forming.
What are benzodiazepines?
This medication is considered the gold standard treatment for bipolar disorder.
What is Lithium?
Weight gain is commonly associated with this class of medications.
What are atypical antipsychotics?
Patients should never stop antidepressants suddenly because it may cause this.
What is discontinuation syndrome?
This SSRI is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder in children and adolescents.
What is Fluoxetine?
This medication is commonly prescribed for anxiety and is not habit-forming.
What is Buspirone?
Patients taking lithium should have this monitored regularly to ensure the medication stays in a safe range.
What are lithium blood levels?
This serious movement disorder may occur with antipsychotic use.
What is tardive dyskinesia?
Most antidepressants take this long before significant improvement is noticed.
What is 4–6 weeks?
All antidepressants carry this FDA warning for adolescents and young adults.
What is the black-box warning for increased suicidal thoughts?
This hormone supplement is commonly used to help adolescents with sleep.
What is Melatonin?
Early signs of lithium toxicity may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and this neurologic symptom.
What is tremor?
This side effect causes involuntary muscle contractions and neck twisting.
What is dystonia?
Adolescents taking psychotropic medications should report any increase in these thoughts immediately.
What are suicidal thoughts?
This syndrome can occur when serotonin levels become dangerously high.
What is Serotonin Syndrome?
Combining benzodiazepines with alcohol can increase this dangerous effect.
What is respiratory depression?
This anticonvulsant mood stabilizer is associated with a high risk of neural tube defects during pregnancy.
What is Valproic Acid or Depakote?
This life-threatening reaction includes fever, rigidity, and altered mental status.
What is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?
This is important to avoid while taking many psychotropic medications because it can worsen side effects.
What is alcohol?
Taking an SSRI with this herbal supplement may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
What is St. John's Wort?
This antihistamine is sometimes prescribed off-label for anxiety and sleep.
What is Hydroxyzine?
Lithium can affect these two organs, which should be monitored during treatment.
What are the kidneys and thyroid?
This atypical antipsychotic requires regular monitoring of white blood cell counts.
What is Clozapine?
When taking psychotropic medications, keeping a record of mood, sleep, and side effects can help providers adjust treatment.
What is a symptom journal or mood diary?