Hydroxyzine
[Vistaril] A better tolerated prescription version of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for anxiety and insomnia.
Non-controlled
Buspirone-melatonin combo
Low doses of both treated depression in one trial.
Buspirone-melatonin combo Read More »
Vortioxetine
[$ Trintellix] Improves cognition. First-line for depression (lacks weight gain, sexual, fatigue SEs; lack of WS). Well studied in elderly.
Vilazodone
[Viibryd] Only benefit is lack of sexual side effects. Otherwise, not evidence in anxiety and not a stand-out antidepressant.
Bupropion
[Wellbutrin] First-line for depression (lacks weight-gain, sexual, cognitive, fatigue SEs; lack of WD). Safest antidepressant in bipolar. Treats nicotine but not as well as varenicline. Treats ADHD a little; RLS.
Lamotrigine
[Lamictal] Best tolerated mood stabilizer, treats and prevents bp-depression; does not treat mania so avoid as monotherapy in bipolar I.
Carbamazepine
[Equetro] A well tolerated option for bipolar mania and mixed states (but you’ll need to adjust for drug interactions)
Valproate
[Depakote] Good for bipolar mania/mixed and comorbid anxiety/alcoholism, but poorly tolerated and unsafe in pregnancy.
Topiramate
[Topamax] PTSD [2], alcohol [2], bulimia [1], borderline/aggression [3], weight [2], OCD [3], meth [1], cocaine [2], gambling [2], schizophrenia aug [1] migraines