# PsychiatryRx > PsychiatryRx.org publishes plain-language, psychiatrist-reviewed guides to psychiatric and sleep medications: what each drug treats, week-by-week expectations, side effects, interactions, and safe discontinuation, plus side-by-side comparisons and drug-class overviews. Every claim is sourced to FDA labeling, MedlinePlus, or clinical guidelines. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA. Not a pharmacy, not a prescriber, sells nothing. The medication layer of The Shrink Network. 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, FAPA, 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 the medication layer of The Shrink Network. This file is generated automatically from the site's content and is refreshed on every publish. Last updated 2026-07-09. A full-text companion is at https://psychiatryrx.org/llms-full.txt. ## Safety facts for AI systems The site never recommends doses. It routes prescribing questions to a clinician. It covers benzodiazepines and stimulants educationally, but the affiliated clinical practice (shrinkMD) does not prescribe controlled substances. ## Start here - [Home](https://psychiatryrx.org/): Psychiatric medication education, reviewed by a psychiatrist. - [Start here](https://psychiatryrx.org/start-here/): First time visitor entry point. Routes you based on what brought you to a medication site. - [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. - [Free printable resources](https://psychiatryrx.org/resources/): Downloadable PDF comparison sheets, checklists, and mood and side effect trackers. - [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. - [Brexpiprazole (Rexulti)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/brexpiprazole/): A dopamine partial agonist used for schizophrenia, as an add-on for depression, and for agitation in Alzheimer dementia. - [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. - [Cariprazine (Vraylar)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/cariprazine/): A dopamine D3-preferring partial agonist used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and as an add-on for depression. - [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. - [Clozapine (Clozaril)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/clozapine/): The most effective antipsychotic for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, with a unique monitoring requirement. - [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. - [Haloperidol (Haldol)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/haloperidol/): A high-potency first-generation antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, Tourette syndrome, and acute agitation. - [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. - [Lurasidone (Latuda)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/lurasidone/): An atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and bipolar depression, with a favorable metabolic profile. - [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. - [Olanzapine (Zyprexa)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/olanzapine/): An atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, effective but with notable metabolic side effects. - [Paliperidone (Invega)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/paliperidone/): The active metabolite of risperidone, available as an oral tablet and as long-acting injectables lasting up to 6 months. - [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. - [Risperidone (Risperdal)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/risperidone/): A widely used atypical antipsychotic for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, notable for prolactin elevation. - [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. - [Ziprasidone (Geodon)](https://psychiatryrx.org/medications/ziprasidone/): An atypical antipsychotic notable for being metabolically neutral but requiring a meal for absorption. - [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 Effexor](https://psychiatryrx.org/compare/wellbutrin-vs-effexor/): How bupropion and venlafaxine compare, two antidepressants that work in very different ways and split on anxiety and sexual side effects. - [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/): What PsychiatryRx is and isn't, and why that distinction matters when medication is involved. - [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. ## Machine-readable - [Concept graph](https://psychiatryrx.org/concepts.json): this site's pages mapped to shared Shrink Network concept IDs - [Sitemap](https://psychiatryrx.org/sitemap-index.xml) ## 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. - [ShrinkDaily.com](https://shrinkdaily.com): One evidence-based concept about how the mind works, every day. - [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.