Medication Guide
Understanding your psychiatric medications, their effects, and what to expect during treatment.
Important Notice
This guide is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized medical advice from your provider. Always discuss any questions or concerns about your medications with your prescriber before making any changes to your treatment.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants work by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood and emotions. They are used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, and certain chronic pain conditions.
Antidepressants work by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood and emotions. They are used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, and certain chronic pain conditions.
SSRIs
Sertraline (Zoloft) • Escitalopram (Lexapro) • Fluoxetine (Prozac) • Paroxetine (Paxil) • Citalopram (Celexa)
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors increase serotonin availability in the brain. First-line treatment for depression and anxiety.
Common Side Effects
Nausea
Headache
Sexual dysfunction
Insomnia
Weight changes
GI upset
SSRIs
Sertraline (Zoloft) • Escitalopram (Lexapro) • Fluoxetine (Prozac) • Paroxetine (Paxil) • Citalopram (Celexa)
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors increase serotonin availability in the brain. First-line treatment for depression and anxiety.
Common Side Effects
Nausea
Headache
Sexual dysfunction
Insomnia
Weight changes
GI upset
SSRIs
Sertraline (Zoloft) • Escitalopram (Lexapro) • Fluoxetine (Prozac) • Paroxetine (Paxil) • Citalopram (Celexa)
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors increase serotonin availability in the brain. First-line treatment for depression and anxiety.
Common Side Effects
Nausea
Headache
Sexual dysfunction
Insomnia
Weight changes
GI upset
SNRIs
Venlafaxine (Effexor) • Duloxetine (Cymbalta) • Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) • Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors affect both serotonin and norepinephrine. Often used when SSRIs are not effective or for chronic pain.
Common Side Effects
Nausea
Dizziness
Sweating
Elevated BP
Dry Mouth
Discontinuation Syndrome
SNRIs
Venlafaxine (Effexor) • Duloxetine (Cymbalta) • Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) • Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors affect both serotonin and norepinephrine. Often used when SSRIs are not effective or for chronic pain.
Common Side Effects
Nausea
Dizziness
Sweating
Elevated BP
Dry Mouth
Discontinuation Syndrome
SNRIs
Venlafaxine (Effexor) • Duloxetine (Cymbalta) • Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) • Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors affect both serotonin and norepinephrine. Often used when SSRIs are not effective or for chronic pain.
Common Side Effects
Nausea
Dizziness
Sweating
Elevated BP
Dry Mouth
Discontinuation Syndrome
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Wellbutrin SR • Wellbutrin XL • Forfivo XL
Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (NDRI). Unique mechanism with fewer sexual side effects. Also used for smoking cessation.
Common Side Effects
Insomnia
Dry Mouth
Headache
Agitation
Decreased Appetite
Seizure Risk (dose dependent)
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Wellbutrin SR • Wellbutrin XL • Forfivo XL
Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (NDRI). Unique mechanism with fewer sexual side effects. Also used for smoking cessation.
Common Side Effects
Insomnia
Dry Mouth
Headache
Agitation
Decreased Appetite
Seizure Risk (dose dependent)
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Wellbutrin SR • Wellbutrin XL • Forfivo XL
Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (NDRI). Unique mechanism with fewer sexual side effects. Also used for smoking cessation.
Common Side Effects
Insomnia
Dry Mouth
Headache
Agitation
Decreased Appetite
Seizure Risk (dose dependent)
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Remeron • Remeron SolTab
Noradrenergic and Specific Serotonergic Antidepressant (NaSSA). Helpful for insomnia and appetite stimulation.
Common Side Effects
Sedation
Weight gain
Increased appetite
Dizziness
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Remeron • Remeron SolTab
Noradrenergic and Specific Serotonergic Antidepressant (NaSSA). Helpful for insomnia and appetite stimulation.
Common Side Effects
Sedation
Weight gain
Increased appetite
Dizziness
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Remeron • Remeron SolTab
Noradrenergic and Specific Serotonergic Antidepressant (NaSSA). Helpful for insomnia and appetite stimulation.
Common Side Effects
Sedation
Weight gain
Increased appetite
Dizziness
Trazodone
Desyrel • Oleptro
Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). Often used at low doses for insomnia due to sedating properties.
Common Side Effects
Sedation
Dry Mouth
Headache
Orthostatic hypotension
Priapism (rare)
Trazodone
Desyrel • Oleptro
Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). Often used at low doses for insomnia due to sedating properties.
Common Side Effects
Sedation
Dry Mouth
Headache
Orthostatic hypotension
Priapism (rare)
Trazodone
Desyrel • Oleptro
Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). Often used at low doses for insomnia due to sedating properties.
Common Side Effects
Sedation
Dry Mouth
Headache
Orthostatic hypotension
Priapism (rare)
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Amitriptyline (Elavil) • Nortriptyline (Pamelor) • Imipramine (Tofranil) • Doxepin
Older class affecting multiple neurotransmitters. Used for treatment-resistant depression, chronic pain, and migraine prevention.
Common Side Effects
Dry mouth
Constipation
Sedation
Weight gain
Cardiac effects
Urinary retention
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Amitriptyline (Elavil) • Nortriptyline (Pamelor) • Imipramine (Tofranil) • Doxepin
Older class affecting multiple neurotransmitters. Used for treatment-resistant depression, chronic pain, and migraine prevention.
Common Side Effects
Dry mouth
Constipation
Sedation
Weight gain
Cardiac effects
Urinary retention
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Amitriptyline (Elavil) • Nortriptyline (Pamelor) • Imipramine (Tofranil) • Doxepin
Older class affecting multiple neurotransmitters. Used for treatment-resistant depression, chronic pain, and migraine prevention.
Common Side Effects
Dry mouth
Constipation
Sedation
Weight gain
Cardiac effects
Urinary retention
Informed Consent Example for Antidepressants
I understand that: Antidepressant medications typically take 4-6 weeks to reach full therapeutic effect. I should not expect immediate improvement and will continue taking the medication as prescribed even if I do not notice changes right away. Common side effects may include nausea, headache, changes in sleep patterns, sexual dysfunction, and weight changes. Most side effects improve within the first few weeks of treatment. I should not abruptly stop this medication without consulting my provider, as this may cause discontinuation symptoms. When stopping, my dose will be gradually tapered. I will contact my provider immediately if I experience worsening depression, new or increased thoughts of self-harm, unusual changes in behavior, or severe side effects. FDA Warning: Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults during the initial weeks of treatment. Close monitoring is essential during this period.
Informed Consent Example for Antidepressants
I understand that: Antidepressant medications typically take 4-6 weeks to reach full therapeutic effect. I should not expect immediate improvement and will continue taking the medication as prescribed even if I do not notice changes right away. Common side effects may include nausea, headache, changes in sleep patterns, sexual dysfunction, and weight changes. Most side effects improve within the first few weeks of treatment. I should not abruptly stop this medication without consulting my provider, as this may cause discontinuation symptoms. When stopping, my dose will be gradually tapered. I will contact my provider immediately if I experience worsening depression, new or increased thoughts of self-harm, unusual changes in behavior, or severe side effects. FDA Warning: Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults during the initial weeks of treatment. Close monitoring is essential during this period.
Informed Consent Example for Antidepressants
I understand that: Antidepressant medications typically take 4-6 weeks to reach full therapeutic effect. I should not expect immediate improvement and will continue taking the medication as prescribed even if I do not notice changes right away. Common side effects may include nausea, headache, changes in sleep patterns, sexual dysfunction, and weight changes. Most side effects improve within the first few weeks of treatment. I should not abruptly stop this medication without consulting my provider, as this may cause discontinuation symptoms. When stopping, my dose will be gradually tapered. I will contact my provider immediately if I experience worsening depression, new or increased thoughts of self-harm, unusual changes in behavior, or severe side effects. FDA Warning: Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults during the initial weeks of treatment. Close monitoring is essential during this period.
Black Box Warning
Antidepressants may increase suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18-24) during the first few months of treatment. Close monitoring is required, especially during initial therapy and dose changes.
Black Box Warning
Antidepressants may increase suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18-24) during the first few months of treatment. Close monitoring is required, especially during initial therapy and dose changes.
Black Box Warning
Antidepressants may increase suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18-24) during the first few months of treatment. Close monitoring is required, especially during initial therapy and dose changes.
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotic medications are used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. They work by modifying dopamine and serotonin pathways in the brain.
Antipsychotic medications are used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. They work by modifying dopamine and serotonin pathways in the brain.
Second-Generation (Atypical)
Aripiprazole (Abilify) • Quetiapine (Seroquel) • Risperidone (Risperdal) • Olanzapine (Zyprexa) • Ziprasidone (Geodon) • Lurasidone (Latuda)
Block dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. Lower risk of movement disorders than older antipsychotics. Commonly used for bipolar disorder and as augmentation for depression.
Common Side Effects
Weight gain
Sedation
Metabolic changes
Diabetes risk
Elevated lipids
Akathisia
Second-Generation (Atypical)
Aripiprazole (Abilify) • Quetiapine (Seroquel) • Risperidone (Risperdal) • Olanzapine (Zyprexa) • Ziprasidone (Geodon) • Lurasidone (Latuda)
Block dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. Lower risk of movement disorders than older antipsychotics. Commonly used for bipolar disorder and as augmentation for depression.
Common Side Effects
Weight gain
Sedation
Metabolic changes
Diabetes risk
Elevated lipids
Akathisia
Second-Generation (Atypical)
Aripiprazole (Abilify) • Quetiapine (Seroquel) • Risperidone (Risperdal) • Olanzapine (Zyprexa) • Ziprasidone (Geodon) • Lurasidone (Latuda)
Block dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. Lower risk of movement disorders than older antipsychotics. Commonly used for bipolar disorder and as augmentation for depression.
Common Side Effects
Weight gain
Sedation
Metabolic changes
Diabetes risk
Elevated lipids
Akathisia
Cariprazine (Vraylar)
Vraylar
Partial agonist at D2 and D3 receptors. FDA-approved for bipolar depression, bipolar mania, and schizophrenia. Unique D3 receptor activity may improve motivation and cognition.
Common Side Effects
Akathisia
Insomnia
Nausea
Restlessness
EPS
Cariprazine (Vraylar)
Vraylar
Partial agonist at D2 and D3 receptors. FDA-approved for bipolar depression, bipolar mania, and schizophrenia. Unique D3 receptor activity may improve motivation and cognition.
Common Side Effects
Akathisia
Insomnia
Nausea
Restlessness
EPS
Cariprazine (Vraylar)
Vraylar
Partial agonist at D2 and D3 receptors. FDA-approved for bipolar depression, bipolar mania, and schizophrenia. Unique D3 receptor activity may improve motivation and cognition.
Common Side Effects
Akathisia
Insomnia
Nausea
Restlessness
EPS
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Clozaril • FazaClo
Reserved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia due to superior efficacy. Requires regular blood monitoring for agranulocytosis risk through REMS program.
Common Side Effects
Sedation
Weight gain
Drooling
Constipation
Seizure risk
Agranulocytosis
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Clozaril • FazaClo
Reserved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia due to superior efficacy. Requires regular blood monitoring for agranulocytosis risk through REMS program.
Common Side Effects
Sedation
Weight gain
Drooling
Constipation
Seizure risk
Agranulocytosis
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Clozaril • FazaClo
Reserved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia due to superior efficacy. Requires regular blood monitoring for agranulocytosis risk through REMS program.
Common Side Effects
Sedation
Weight gain
Drooling
Constipation
Seizure risk
Agranulocytosis
First-Generation (Typical)
Haloperidol (Haldol) • Perphenazine (Trilafon) • Fluphenazine (Prolixin) • Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
Primarily block dopamine D2 receptors. Effective for psychosis but higher risk of extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia.
Common Side Effects
EPS
Tardive dyskinesia
Rigidity
Tremor
Sedation
Prolactin elevation
First-Generation (Typical)
Haloperidol (Haldol) • Perphenazine (Trilafon) • Fluphenazine (Prolixin) • Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
Primarily block dopamine D2 receptors. Effective for psychosis but higher risk of extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia.
Common Side Effects
EPS
Tardive dyskinesia
Rigidity
Tremor
Sedation
Prolactin elevation
First-Generation (Typical)
Haloperidol (Haldol) • Perphenazine (Trilafon) • Fluphenazine (Prolixin) • Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
Primarily block dopamine D2 receptors. Effective for psychosis but higher risk of extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia.
Common Side Effects
EPS
Tardive dyskinesia
Rigidity
Tremor
Sedation
Prolactin elevation
Informed Consent Example for Antipsychotics
I understand that: Antipsychotic medications are prescribed for mood stabilization, psychosis, severe anxiety, or augmentation of antidepressant therapy. These medications may cause metabolic effects including weight gain, elevated blood sugar, and changes in cholesterol levels. Regular monitoring of weight, blood glucose, and lipid panels is required. Movement side effects (extrapyramidal symptoms) such as muscle stiffness, restlessness, tremors, or involuntary movements may occur. I will report any unusual movements immediately. Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a potentially permanent movement disorder that can develop with long-term use. The risk increases with duration of treatment and cumulative dose. I agree to regular laboratory monitoring as recommended by my provider, including metabolic panels and other indicated tests.
Informed Consent Example for Antipsychotics
I understand that: Antipsychotic medications are prescribed for mood stabilization, psychosis, severe anxiety, or augmentation of antidepressant therapy. These medications may cause metabolic effects including weight gain, elevated blood sugar, and changes in cholesterol levels. Regular monitoring of weight, blood glucose, and lipid panels is required. Movement side effects (extrapyramidal symptoms) such as muscle stiffness, restlessness, tremors, or involuntary movements may occur. I will report any unusual movements immediately. Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a potentially permanent movement disorder that can develop with long-term use. The risk increases with duration of treatment and cumulative dose. I agree to regular laboratory monitoring as recommended by my provider, including metabolic panels and other indicated tests.
Informed Consent Example for Antipsychotics
I understand that: Antipsychotic medications are prescribed for mood stabilization, psychosis, severe anxiety, or augmentation of antidepressant therapy. These medications may cause metabolic effects including weight gain, elevated blood sugar, and changes in cholesterol levels. Regular monitoring of weight, blood glucose, and lipid panels is required. Movement side effects (extrapyramidal symptoms) such as muscle stiffness, restlessness, tremors, or involuntary movements may occur. I will report any unusual movements immediately. Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a potentially permanent movement disorder that can develop with long-term use. The risk increases with duration of treatment and cumulative dose. I agree to regular laboratory monitoring as recommended by my provider, including metabolic panels and other indicated tests.
Black Box Warning
Antipsychotics increase mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. These medications are not approved for this use. Additionally, metabolic syndrome monitoring is essential during treatment.
Black Box Warning
Antipsychotics increase mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. These medications are not approved for this use. Additionally, metabolic syndrome monitoring is essential during treatment.
Black Box Warning
Antipsychotics increase mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. These medications are not approved for this use. Additionally, metabolic syndrome monitoring is essential during treatment.
Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers help control the extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression) of bipolar disorder. They work by reducing abnormal brain activity and stabilizing mood fluctuations.
Mood stabilizers help control the extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression) of bipolar disorder. They work by reducing abnormal brain activity and stabilizing mood fluctuations.
Lithium
Lithobid • Eskalith • Lithium Carbonate
Gold standard for bipolar disorder. Exact mechanism unknown but affects multiple neurotransmitter systems. Only medication proven to reduce suicide risk in bipolar disorder.
Common Side Effects
Tremor
Thirst
Frequent urination
Weight gain
Thyroid issues
Kidney effects
Lithium
Lithobid • Eskalith • Lithium Carbonate
Gold standard for bipolar disorder. Exact mechanism unknown but affects multiple neurotransmitter systems. Only medication proven to reduce suicide risk in bipolar disorder.
Common Side Effects
Tremor
Thirst
Frequent urination
Weight gain
Thyroid issues
Kidney effects
Lithium
Lithobid • Eskalith • Lithium Carbonate
Gold standard for bipolar disorder. Exact mechanism unknown but affects multiple neurotransmitter systems. Only medication proven to reduce suicide risk in bipolar disorder.
Common Side Effects
Tremor
Thirst
Frequent urination
Weight gain
Thyroid issues
Kidney effects
Valproate
Depakote • Depakene • Depakote ER
Anticonvulsant that increases GABA levels. Effective for mania and mixed episodes. Also used for migraine prevention and seizure disorders.
Common Side Effects
Nausea
Weight gain
Tremor
Hair loss
Liver effects
Sedation
Valproate
Depakote • Depakene • Depakote ER
Anticonvulsant that increases GABA levels. Effective for mania and mixed episodes. Also used for migraine prevention and seizure disorders.
Common Side Effects
Nausea
Weight gain
Tremor
Hair loss
Liver effects
Sedation
Valproate
Depakote • Depakene • Depakote ER
Anticonvulsant that increases GABA levels. Effective for mania and mixed episodes. Also used for migraine prevention and seizure disorders.
Common Side Effects
Nausea
Weight gain
Tremor
Hair loss
Liver effects
Sedation
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Lamictal • Lamictal XR • Lamictal ODT
Anticonvulsant that stabilizes neuronal membranes. Particularly effective for bipolar depression prevention. Requires slow titration to minimize rash risk.
Common Side Effects
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Insomnia
Rash (rare but serious)
Blurred vision
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Lamictal • Lamictal XR • Lamictal ODT
Anticonvulsant that stabilizes neuronal membranes. Particularly effective for bipolar depression prevention. Requires slow titration to minimize rash risk.
Common Side Effects
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Insomnia
Rash (rare but serious)
Blurred vision
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Lamictal • Lamictal XR • Lamictal ODT
Anticonvulsant that stabilizes neuronal membranes. Particularly effective for bipolar depression prevention. Requires slow titration to minimize rash risk.
Common Side Effects
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Insomnia
Rash (rare but serious)
Blurred vision
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Tegretol • Tegretol XR • Equetro
Anticonvulsant that blocks sodium channels. Used for mania and mixed episodes. Significant drug interactions due to enzyme induction.
Common Side Effects
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Nausea
Blood count changes
Hyponatremia
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Tegretol • Tegretol XR • Equetro
Anticonvulsant that blocks sodium channels. Used for mania and mixed episodes. Significant drug interactions due to enzyme induction.
Common Side Effects
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Nausea
Blood count changes
Hyponatremia
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Tegretol • Tegretol XR • Equetro
Anticonvulsant that blocks sodium channels. Used for mania and mixed episodes. Significant drug interactions due to enzyme induction.
Common Side Effects
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Nausea
Blood count changes
Hyponatremia
Informed Consent Example for Mood Stabilizers
I understand that: Mood stabilizers require regular blood tests to monitor medication levels and check for effects on organs such as the liver, kidneys, and thyroid. I agree to attend all scheduled laboratory appointments. For Lithium: I will maintain consistent salt and fluid intake, avoid dehydration, and report symptoms of toxicity including severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremor, confusion, or slurred speech immediately. For Valproate: I understand this medication is contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of birth defects. I will use reliable contraception and inform my provider immediately if pregnancy is suspected. For Lamotrigine: I understand the importance of slow dose titration and will report any rash immediately, as this could indicate a serious skin reaction requiring discontinuation. I will not adjust my dose or stop these medications without consulting my provider, as this may trigger mood episodes.
Informed Consent Example for Mood Stabilizers
I understand that: Mood stabilizers require regular blood tests to monitor medication levels and check for effects on organs such as the liver, kidneys, and thyroid. I agree to attend all scheduled laboratory appointments. For Lithium: I will maintain consistent salt and fluid intake, avoid dehydration, and report symptoms of toxicity including severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremor, confusion, or slurred speech immediately. For Valproate: I understand this medication is contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of birth defects. I will use reliable contraception and inform my provider immediately if pregnancy is suspected. For Lamotrigine: I understand the importance of slow dose titration and will report any rash immediately, as this could indicate a serious skin reaction requiring discontinuation. I will not adjust my dose or stop these medications without consulting my provider, as this may trigger mood episodes.
Informed Consent Example for Mood Stabilizers
I understand that: Mood stabilizers require regular blood tests to monitor medication levels and check for effects on organs such as the liver, kidneys, and thyroid. I agree to attend all scheduled laboratory appointments. For Lithium: I will maintain consistent salt and fluid intake, avoid dehydration, and report symptoms of toxicity including severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremor, confusion, or slurred speech immediately. For Valproate: I understand this medication is contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of birth defects. I will use reliable contraception and inform my provider immediately if pregnancy is suspected. For Lamotrigine: I understand the importance of slow dose titration and will report any rash immediately, as this could indicate a serious skin reaction requiring discontinuation. I will not adjust my dose or stop these medications without consulting my provider, as this may trigger mood episodes.
Important Warnings
Valproate: Contraindicated in pregnancy due to neural tube defects and developmental disorders. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception. Lamotrigine: Risk of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) requires slow titration. Discontinue immediately if rash develops. Lithium: Narrow therapeutic index requires regular level monitoring. Toxicity can be life-threatening.
Important Warnings
Valproate: Contraindicated in pregnancy due to neural tube defects and developmental disorders. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception. Lamotrigine: Risk of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) requires slow titration. Discontinue immediately if rash develops. Lithium: Narrow therapeutic index requires regular level monitoring. Toxicity can be life-threatening.
Important Warnings
Valproate: Contraindicated in pregnancy due to neural tube defects and developmental disorders. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception. Lamotrigine: Risk of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) requires slow titration. Discontinue immediately if rash develops. Lithium: Narrow therapeutic index requires regular level monitoring. Toxicity can be life-threatening.