The 5 Main Types of Psychiatric Medications — and How They Help

If you've been diagnosed with a mental health condition — or suspect you might have one — you're probably wondering what treatment looks like. For many people, medication is a cornerstone of effective care, often working best alongside therapy and lifestyle changes. About 16% of American adults have taken a psychiatric medication in the past year, and there's no shame in being one of them.

At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, GA, we believe in informed treatment. Here's an overview of the five most common categories of psychiatric medications we prescribe.

1. Antidepressants

Despite the name, antidepressants treat far more than depression. They're also used for anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and chronic pain. The most common types include:

• SSRIs (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft) — increase serotonin availability
• SNRIs (e.g., Cymbalta, Effexor) — boost both serotonin and norepinephrine
• Atypical antidepressants (e.g., Wellbutrin, Remeron) — work through different mechanisms
• Tricyclics and MAOIs — older classes, sometimes used when newer options aren't effective

Common side effects can include weight changes, decreased libido, and fatigue, though these vary by medication.

2. Anti-Anxiety Medications

These medications target anxiety directly. Benzodiazepines (like Xanax and Ativan) provide fast-acting relief but carry a risk of dependence with long-term use. Buspirone is a non-addictive alternative that works well for generalized anxiety. Beta-blockers like propranolol can help with situational anxiety symptoms.

3. Stimulants and ADHD Medications

For ADHD, stimulant medications like Adderall and Vyvanse remain the most effective treatments for most patients. Non-stimulant options like Strattera and Qelbree are alternatives for patients who can't tolerate stimulants or prefer a non-controlled substance. At Next Step Psychiatry, ADHD treatment is one of our core specialties.

4. Mood Stabilizers

Mood stabilizers are primarily used for bipolar disorder to prevent extreme mood swings between mania and depression. Lithium is the oldest and most studied, while newer options like lamotrigine (Lamictal) and valproic acid (Depakote) are also widely prescribed.

5. Antipsychotics

Antipsychotic medications treat conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics like Abilify, Seroquel, and Latuda are commonly used today and tend to have fewer movement-related side effects than older antipsychotics.

The Bottom Line: Medication Is Personal

The right medication depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, medical history, and how your body responds. Finding the best fit sometimes takes adjustments — and that's normal. What matters is working with a knowledgeable psychiatric provider who monitors your progress and tailors your treatment.

Medication Management in the Atlanta Area

Dr. Aneel Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C, provide expert medication management for patients across Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Tucker, Norcross, and the greater metro Atlanta area. We also offer Spravato (esketamine) for treatment-resistant depression.