NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Low sodium blood levels (symptoms of low sodium levels may include headache, weakness, difficulty concentrating and remembering), teeth grinding, angle closure glaucoma (symptoms of angle closure glaucoma may include eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around eye), serotonin syndrome (symptoms may include shivering, diarrhea, confusion, severe …

Lithium is a mood stabilizer medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression and/or mania.

Depression is also a part of bipolar illness. People with bipolar disorder who take antidepressants may be at risk for "switching" from depression into mania. Symptoms of mania include "high" or irritable mood, very high self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressure to keep talking, racing thoughts, being easily distracted, frequently involved in activities with a large risk for bad ...

What is bupropion and what does it treat? Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and to help people quit smoking (smoking cessation).

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a side effect that develops with prolonged use of antipsychotics. Medications such as olanzapine have been shown to have a lower risk of TD compared to older antipsychotics, such as Haldol (haloperidol).] If you develop symptoms of TD, such as grimacing, sucking, and smacking of lips, or other movements that you cannot control, contact your health …

Please Note: You should discuss any information in this section with your mental health care provider. Psychiatric medications influence the brain chemicals that regulate emotions and thought patterns. They’re usually more effective when combined with psychotherapy. In some cases, medicines can reduce symptoms so other methods of a treatment plan can be more …

Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) is an antiepileptic medication that works in the brain to prevent and control seizures. Oxcarbazepine may also be helpful when prescribed off-label for nerve pain or as a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder.

Clonidine is a non-stimulant prescription medication that is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Clonidine is also used to treat high blood pressure in both children and adults.

Protecting your mental health during pregnancy is protecting your baby’s health, too. Pregnancy brings a whirlwind of physical and emotional changes—fluctuating hormones, changing body image, and the enormity of becoming a parent that can spark anxiety and depression or exacerbate existing mental health conditions. This section offers guidance on recognizing the …