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Medications and Their Effects

Marian Stauder

Professional DevelopmentFall 2012

7/30/2019 Medications and Their Effects

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Aripiprazole

Brand Name: Abilify

Typically Used: to treat symptoms of mania,schizophrenia, or depression (that are not controlled byantidepressants). It can also be used to control anxiety

related to autism.

It Works By: activating dopamine receptors in the brain(in the absence of dopamine)

Side Effects: headache, drowsiness, nervousness,dizziness, stomach pain, increased appetite, pain in armsand legs

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Atomoxetine

Brand Name: Strattera

Typically Used: to decrease impulsivity and increase

attention of individuals with ADHD

It Works By:increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the

brain.

Side Effects: dry mouth, irritability, tiredness, nausea,decreased appetite, constipation, dizziness, sweating,

increased obsessive behavior, weight changes

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Carbamazepine

Brand Names: Calepsin, Sirtal, Tegretol

Typically Used: to control certain types of seizures (alone

or paired with other medications)

It Works By: reducing abnormal brain activity

Side Effects: drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting,

headache, diarrhea, dry mouth, memory problems, backpain

7/30/2019 Medications and Their Effects

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Clonidine

Brand Name: Catapres, Kapvay, Nexiclon

Typically Used For: high blood pressure, some pain

conditions, ADHD and anxiety/panic disorder

It Works By: decreasing heart rate and relaxing the blood

vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the

body.

Side Effects dry mouth, tiredness, weakness, headache,

nervousness, decreased sexual ability, nausea, vomiting,

constipation

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Dextroamphetamine and

Amphetamine

Brand Name: Adderall

Typically Used : to reduce symptoms of ADHD

It Works as: a stimulant, increasing Central NervousSystem functioning

Side Effects: dizziness, nervousness, headache and weight

loss, faster heartbeat, lower blood pressure, stuntedgrowth, psychosis

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Fluoxetine Brand Name: Prozac

Typically Used For: depression OCD, some eating

disorders, panic attacks

It Works By: by increasing the amount of serotonin the

body is able to take in, thus restoring balance to the brain

Side Effects drowsiness, sore throat, nervousness, nausea,

dry mouth, loss of appetite, weight loss

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Haloperidol

Brand Name: Haldol

Typically Used For: treating some psychotic disorders,

behavior problems, and motor tics

It Works By: blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.

Side Effects: depression, dry mouth, lethargy, restlessness,

muscle stiffness, tremors

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Methylphenidate Brand Name: Ritalin, Concerta

Typically Used For: controlling symptoms of ADHD(including difficulties focusing, controlling actions, andremaining calm)

It Works As: a stimulant, increasing Central Nervous Systemfunctioning.

Side Effects: Nervousness, sleep difficulties, dizziness,nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain,diarrhea, heartburn, dry mouth, headache, muscletightness, restlessness, painful menstruation

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Risperidone

Brand Name: Risperdal

Typically Used For: treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar

disorder, or mania, as well as aggressive behaviors.

It Works By: blocking dopamine receptors in the brain

Side Effects: weight gain, metabolic problems, insomnia,

changes in muscle tension

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Sertraline Brand Name: Zoloft

Typically Used: to treat depression, OCD, panic attacks,

PTSD, and social anxiety disorder

It Works By: increasing the amount of serotonin the body

is able to take in, thus restoring balance to the brain

Side Effects: drowsiness, sore throat, nervousness, nausea,

dry mouth, loss of appetite, weight loss

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Added Findings

Almost all drugs listed have several side effects. I did not list allthe side effects for most drugs because there were so many.

Some drugs also should not be taken with other medications, so itis important than ALL other (prescription and nonprescription)medications are approved by a doctor.

For most listed drugs, a missed dose should be taken as soon asremembered, but if it is close to time for the next dose, do not takea double-dose

It was hard to find out exactly what the drugs did without a strongbiology background, which leads me to believe that parents mightnot fully understand the impact of these drugs on their child.