# PsychiatryRx

> Psychiatric medication education: how medications work, common side effects, treatment options, and important prescribing considerations. Independent, ad-free, and reviewed by a board-certified psychiatrist.

PsychiatryRx is an independent, ad-free reference about psychiatric and sleep medications, published by shrinkMD Publishing, LLC and medically reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, a board-certified psychiatrist. Every page is written in plain language and sourced from FDA labeling, MedlinePlus, NIMH, and recognized clinical guidelines. It is general education, not medical advice: readers are told never to start, stop, increase, decrease, combine, or taper a medication without their prescriber. PsychiatryRx is part of The Shrink Network.

This file is generated automatically from the site's content and is refreshed on every publish. Last updated 2026-06-10. A full-text companion is at https://psychiatryrx.org/llms-full.txt.

## Start here
- [Home](https://psychiatryrx.org/): Psychiatric medication education, reviewed by a psychiatrist.
- [All medications](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/): A to Z index of psychiatric and sleep medication guides.
- [Compare medications](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/): Side-by-side comparisons of commonly weighed options.
- [Drug classes](https://psychiatryrx.org/classes/): How each class (SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, and more) works.
- [Guides](https://psychiatryrx.org/guides/): Practical how-tos on starting, tapering, and prescriber visits.
- [Glossary](https://psychiatryrx.org/glossary/): Plain-language definitions of psychiatric medication terms.
- [Books](https://psychiatryrx.org/books/): Books by the medical editor, published by shrinkMD Publishing, LLC.

## Medications
- [Alprazolam (Xanax)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/alprazolam/): A fast-acting benzodiazepine used for anxiety and panic, intended mainly for short-term or occasional use.
- [Amitriptyline (Elavil)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/amitriptyline/): An older tricyclic antidepressant used off-label at low doses for sleep, with notable anticholinergic side effects.
- [Amphetamine (Adderall)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/amphetamine/): A stimulant medication for ADHD, the amphetamine-based type.
- [Aripiprazole (Abilify)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/aripiprazole/): An atypical antipsychotic used for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and as an add-on for depression.
- [Atomoxetine (Strattera)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/atomoxetine/): A non-stimulant medication for ADHD, taken daily.
- [Bupropion (Wellbutrin)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/bupropion/): An atypical antidepressant, an NDRI, used for depression, seasonal depression, and smoking cessation.
- [Buspirone (BuSpar)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/buspirone/): A non-sedating anti-anxiety medication for generalized anxiety, taken daily.
- [Citalopram (Celexa)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/citalopram/): An SSRI antidepressant used mainly for depression.
- [Clonazepam (Klonopin)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/clonazepam/): A long-acting benzodiazepine used for panic disorder and certain seizure conditions.
- [Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/desvenlafaxine/): An SNRI antidepressant, closely related to venlafaxine.
- [Diazepam (Valium)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/diazepam/): A long-acting benzodiazepine used for anxiety and several other conditions.
- [Doxepin (Silenor)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/doxepin/): A tricyclic antidepressant used at very low doses as a non-habit-forming sleep medication for staying asleep.
- [Duloxetine (Cymbalta)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/duloxetine/): An SNRI antidepressant that is also used for several chronic pain conditions.
- [Escitalopram (Lexapro)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/escitalopram/): An SSRI antidepressant used for depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
- [Eszopiclone (Lunesta)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/eszopiclone/): A z-drug that helps with both falling asleep and staying asleep, known for a distinctive bitter aftertaste.
- [Fluoxetine (Prozac)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/fluoxetine/): An SSRI antidepressant used for depression, OCD, panic, and bulimia, known for its long half-life.
- [Guanfacine (Intuniv)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/guanfacine/): A non-stimulant ADHD medication, often used on its own or added to a stimulant.
- [Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/hydroxyzine/): An antihistamine used for anxiety, often as needed, without the dependence risk of benzodiazepines.
- [Lamotrigine (Lamictal)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/lamotrigine/): A mood stabilizer used mainly to prevent depressive episodes in bipolar disorder.
- [Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/lisdexamfetamine/): A long-acting stimulant for ADHD, taken once daily, also approved for binge eating disorder.
- [Lithium](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/lithium/): A long-established mood stabilizer, still considered a benchmark treatment for bipolar disorder.
- [Lorazepam (Ativan)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/lorazepam/): A benzodiazepine used for anxiety, intended mainly for short-term or occasional use.
- [Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/methylphenidate/): A stimulant medication for ADHD, one of the two main stimulant types.
- [Mirtazapine (Remeron)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/mirtazapine/): An atypical antidepressant often chosen when depression comes with poor sleep and loss of appetite.
- [Paroxetine (Paxil)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/paroxetine/): An SSRI antidepressant used for depression and a wide range of anxiety disorders.
- [Propranolol (Inderal)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/propranolol/): A beta blocker used off-label for the physical symptoms of situational anxiety, such as performance anxiety.
- [Quetiapine (Seroquel)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/quetiapine/): An atypical antipsychotic used for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and as an add-on for depression.
- [Ramelteon (Rozerem)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/ramelteon/): A non-habit-forming sleep medication that works on the body clock, used for trouble falling asleep.
- [Sertraline (Zoloft)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/sertraline/): An SSRI antidepressant used for depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, PTSD, and PMDD.
- [Suvorexant (Belsomra)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/suvorexant/): A newer sleep medication that blocks the brain's wakefulness signal, used for trouble falling and staying asleep.
- [Temazepam (Restoril)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/temazepam/): A benzodiazepine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, with real dependence and withdrawal risks.
- [Trazodone (Desyrel)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/trazodone/): An older antidepressant now used most often, at low doses, as a sleep aid.
- [Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/venlafaxine/): An SNRI antidepressant used for depression and several anxiety disorders.
- [Vortioxetine (Trintellix)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/vortioxetine/): A newer antidepressant for depression, with a lower rate of sexual side effects than many SSRIs.
- [Zaleplon (Sonata)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/zaleplon/): The shortest-acting z-drug, used for trouble falling asleep with little next-day hangover.
- [Zolpidem (Ambien)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/zolpidem/): The most widely prescribed z-drug, a fast-acting sleep medication used mainly for trouble falling asleep.

## Drug classes
- [ADHD medications explained](https://psychiatryrx.org/classes/adhd-medications/): The two groups of ADHD medication, stimulants and non-stimulants, and how they compare.
- [Antipsychotics explained](https://psychiatryrx.org/classes/antipsychotics/): What antipsychotics are, and how they are used in bipolar disorder and depression.
- [Atypical antidepressants explained](https://psychiatryrx.org/classes/atypical-antidepressants/): Antidepressants that work differently from SSRIs and SNRIs, and when they are used.
- [Benzodiazepines explained](https://psychiatryrx.org/classes/benzodiazepines/): What benzodiazepines are, how they work, and why they are usually used short-term.
- [Mood stabilizers explained](https://psychiatryrx.org/classes/mood-stabilizers/): What mood stabilizers are, how they are used in bipolar disorder, and how they differ.
- [Sleep medications explained](https://psychiatryrx.org/classes/sleep-medications/): What the main sleep medications are, how they differ, and why most are used short-term.
- [SNRIs explained](https://psychiatryrx.org/classes/snris/): What SNRIs are, how they work, and how they compare with SSRIs.
- [SSRIs explained](https://psychiatryrx.org/classes/ssris/): What SSRIs are, how they work, and how the medications in the class compare.

## Medication comparisons
- [Adderall vs Ritalin](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/adderall-vs-ritalin/): How amphetamine and methylphenidate compare, the two main stimulant types for ADHD.
- [Adderall vs Vyvanse](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/adderall-vs-vyvanse/): How amphetamine and lisdexamfetamine compare, two amphetamine-based stimulants for ADHD.
- [Ambien vs Belsomra](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/ambien-vs-belsomra/): How zolpidem and suvorexant compare for insomnia, an older GABA-based z-drug and a newer orexin blocker.
- [Ambien vs Lunesta](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/ambien-vs-lunesta/): How zolpidem and eszopiclone compare, two z-drugs that differ mainly in how long they last.
- [Ambien vs Trazodone](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/ambien-vs-trazodone/): How zolpidem and trazodone compare for sleep, a controlled z-drug sleeping pill and a non-habit-forming antidepressant widely used for insomnia.
- [Ativan vs Klonopin](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/ativan-vs-klonopin/): How lorazepam and clonazepam compare, two benzodiazepines used for anxiety and panic.
- [Buspirone vs Xanax](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/buspirone-vs-xanax/): How buspirone and alprazolam compare for anxiety, a daily non-habit-forming option and a fast-acting benzodiazepine.
- [Cymbalta vs Effexor](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/cymbalta-vs-effexor/): How duloxetine and venlafaxine compare, two SNRI antidepressants.
- [Cymbalta vs Lexapro](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/cymbalta-vs-lexapro/): How duloxetine and escitalopram compare, an SNRI and an SSRI.
- [Effexor vs Pristiq](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/effexor-vs-pristiq/): How venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine compare, two closely related SNRIs.
- [Klonopin vs Xanax](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/klonopin-vs-xanax/): How clonazepam and alprazolam compare, two benzodiazepines that differ mainly in how long they last.
- [Lexapro vs Celexa](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/lexapro-vs-celexa/): How escitalopram and citalopram compare, two closely related SSRIs.
- [Lexapro vs Prozac](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/lexapro-vs-prozac/): How escitalopram and fluoxetine compare, two widely used SSRIs.
- [Lexapro vs Xanax](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/lexapro-vs-xanax/): How escitalopram and alprazolam compare for anxiety, a daily SSRI and a fast-acting benzodiazepine.
- [Lexapro vs Zoloft](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/lexapro-vs-zoloft/): How escitalopram and sertraline compare on uses, side effects, and what to expect.
- [Lithium vs Lamictal](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/lithium-vs-lamictal/): How lithium and lamotrigine compare, two mood stabilizers used in bipolar disorder.
- [Prozac vs Zoloft](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/prozac-vs-zoloft/): How fluoxetine and sertraline compare, two widely used SSRIs.
- [Strattera vs Adderall](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/strattera-vs-adderall/): How atomoxetine and amphetamine compare for ADHD, a non-stimulant and a stimulant.
- [Trazodone vs Mirtazapine](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/trazodone-vs-mirtazapine/): How trazodone and mirtazapine compare, two sedating antidepressants used for sleep, with their effect on weight as the key difference.
- [Trintellix vs Lexapro](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/trintellix-vs-lexapro/): How vortioxetine and escitalopram compare, a newer antidepressant and a standard SSRI.
- [Valium vs Xanax](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/valium-vs-xanax/): How diazepam and alprazolam compare, two benzodiazepines that differ mainly in how long they last.
- [Vyvanse vs Ritalin](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/vyvanse-vs-ritalin/): How lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate compare, stimulants from the two main families.
- [Wellbutrin vs Adderall](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/wellbutrin-vs-adderall/): How bupropion and amphetamine compare, an antidepressant and a stimulant that both affect focus and energy.
- [Wellbutrin vs Lexapro](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/wellbutrin-vs-lexapro/): How bupropion and escitalopram compare, two common antidepressants that work in very different ways.
- [Wellbutrin vs Zoloft](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/wellbutrin-vs-zoloft/): How bupropion and sertraline compare, two common antidepressants that work differently.
- [Xanax vs Ativan](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/xanax-vs-ativan/): How alprazolam and lorazepam compare, two fast-acting benzodiazepines for anxiety.

## Guides
- [Antidepressants and sexual side effects](https://psychiatryrx.org/guides/antidepressants-and-sexual-side-effects/): How common sexual side effects are, why they happen, and what can be done about them.
- [Antidepressants and weight](https://psychiatryrx.org/guides/antidepressants-and-weight/): What antidepressants tend to do to weight, which ones differ, and how to think about it.
- [Coming off an antidepressant safely](https://psychiatryrx.org/guides/coming-off-an-antidepressant/): What discontinuation feels like, and how a careful taper makes stopping manageable.
- [Generic vs brand-name psychiatric medication](https://psychiatryrx.org/guides/generic-vs-brand-name/): Whether generic psychiatric medications are as good as the brand, and what to know.
- [How to get psychiatric medication management](https://psychiatryrx.org/guides/getting-medication-management/): Who can prescribe psychiatric medication, the in-person and telepsychiatry options, and how to choose.
- [Medication, therapy, or both](https://psychiatryrx.org/guides/medication-or-therapy/): What the evidence says about medication, therapy, and combining them.
- [Over-the-counter and natural sleep aids: what the evidence shows](https://psychiatryrx.org/guides/otc-and-natural-sleep-aids/): An honest look at antihistamines, melatonin, valerian, chamomile, and magnesium for sleep.
- [Psychiatric medication and alcohol](https://psychiatryrx.org/guides/psychiatric-medication-and-alcohol/): How alcohol interacts with antidepressants and other psychiatric medications, and why caution makes sense.
- [Psychiatric medication in pregnancy and breastfeeding](https://psychiatryrx.org/guides/medication-in-pregnancy/): How decisions about psychiatric medication in pregnancy and breastfeeding are approached.
- [Questions for my appointment](https://psychiatryrx.org/guides/appointment-sheet/): A printable sheet to organize what you want to cover with your prescriber.
- [Starting a psychiatric medication: what the first month is like](https://psychiatryrx.org/guides/starting-a-medication/): A realistic week-by-week picture of beginning an antidepressant, and what is normal.
- [Switching antidepressants](https://psychiatryrx.org/guides/switching-antidepressants/): Why people switch antidepressants, how a switch is done, and what to expect.
- [Why isn't my medication working?](https://psychiatryrx.org/guides/why-isnt-my-medication-working/): Common reasons an antidepressant doesn't seem to be helping, and what usually comes next.

## About, editorial standards, and policies
- [About PsychiatryRx](https://psychiatryrx.org/about/): What PsychiatryRx is, why it exists, who it is for, and who stands behind it.
- [Accessibility statement](https://psychiatryrx.org/accessibility-statement/): How PsychiatryRx works to be usable by everyone, and how to report a barrier.
- [AI use and editorial assistance](https://psychiatryrx.org/ai-policy/): How and where AI tools are used in producing PsychiatryRx, and what they are never used for.
- [Community, comments, and user contributions](https://psychiatryrx.org/community-guidelines/): How PsychiatryRx handles reader contributions today, and the community guidelines, comment policy, and user content terms that apply if interactive features are ever added.
- [Copyright and content usage](https://psychiatryrx.org/copyright/): Who owns PsychiatryRx content, and what you can and cannot do with it.
- [Corrections and updates policy](https://psychiatryrx.org/corrections-policy/): How PsychiatryRx handles factual corrections, evidence updates, and reader reports.
- [Disclosure and how PsychiatryRx works](https://psychiatryrx.org/disclosure/): How the site is funded, what it promotes, and how its affiliations are handled.
- [Editorial process](https://psychiatryrx.org/editorial-process/): How PsychiatryRx content is written, reviewed, and kept current.
- [How we evaluate evidence](https://psychiatryrx.org/evidence-methodology/): The evidence hierarchy PsychiatryRx uses, and what it means for what you read here.
- [International readers](https://psychiatryrx.org/international/): PsychiatryRx is written for U.S. readers. What that means if you live somewhere else.
- [Medical disclaimer](https://psychiatryrx.org/medical-disclaimer/): The limits of the information on PsychiatryRx, and how to use it safely.
- [Medical review board](https://psychiatryrx.org/medical-review-board/): Who reviews PsychiatryRx for clinical accuracy.
- [Privacy Policy](https://psychiatryrx.org/privacy-policy/): What information PsychiatryRx collects, and how it is handled.
- [Shariq Refai, MD, MBA](https://psychiatryrx.org/medical-editor/): The board-certified psychiatrist who medically reviews PsychiatryRx.
- [Terms of Use](https://psychiatryrx.org/terms-of-use/): The terms that govern your use of PsychiatryRx.

## The Shrink Network
- [ShrinkNetwork.com](https://shrinknetwork.com): The front door to The Shrink Network.
- [shrinkMD.com](https://shrinkmd.com): Independent telepsychiatry practice (clinical care).
- [AnxietyResource.org](https://anxietyresource.org): Plain-language anxiety education.
- [DepressionResource.org](https://depressionresource.org): Patient education library on depression.
- [AnxietyResearch.org](https://anxietyresearch.org): Research translation and evidence summaries.
- [Shrinktionary.com](https://shrinktionary.com): Plain-language mental health glossary.
- [shrinQ.com](https://shrinq.com): Self-guided program for overthinking and burnout.
- [Unstuck](https://beunstuck.app): Private, local-first wellness companion app.
- [ShariqRefai.com](https://shariqrefai.com): Physician-author platform for Dr. Refai.