References and further reading

Our information on medication

The YoungMinds website only provides general information about medication. It does not provide medical advice. The information on this website does not replace advice obtained from a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or psychiatrist. You should consult a qualified healthcare professional before acting on any of the information about mental health medication you read on this site. This is because everyone is different and reacts differently to medication.

In putting together information about mental health medication for this website, we have made every effort to ensure that the information is reliable and accurate. All content has been reviewed by College of Mental Health Pharmacy in 2020. However, we do not guarantee this information is fully up-to-date or that it is suitable for you or any individual user’s circumstances.

Always seek medical advice before acting on information about mental health medication on this website.

References and further reading

Taylor D, Barnes T, Young A. Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines in Psychiatry, 13th edition. Oxford: John Wiley & Sons, May 2018. ISBN: 978-1-119-44260-8

Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Medicines Ethics and Practice (42nd edition). London: RPS, 2018. Standards for pharmacists to work to. It is not a free publication

Search here to find patient information leaflets and prescribing information. Tablets and liquid are listed separately. The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) lists all the inactive ingredients in the product so you can check against any allergies. If you are still unsure about this then speak to your pharmacist.

Information no longer available for public access via the web. Download the app for information on a comprehensive list of medications.

Available for Apple here

Available for Android here

A list of drugs and medicines prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency – available here.

An independent source of information on many mental health conditions and their medicines with easy-to-read fact sheets.

Personal subscriptions to download the app available for £1 per month (with proportionate discounts for longer periods) but your local mental health Trust may subscribe and provide information sheets for free.

Available here.

Information sheets on drugs in pregnancy – available here

Information on drugs in breastfeeding – available here

Condition and treatment guidelines

Depression

NICE guideline [NG134] Depression in children and young people, June 2019

Available here

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

NICE guideline [NG87] Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, March 2018; Last updated: September 2019

Available here

Bipolar disorder

NICE clinical guideline [CG185] Bipolar disorder, September 2014; Last updated: April 2018

Available here

Psychosis and schizophrenia

NICE Clinical guideline [CG155] Psychosis and schizophrenia in children and young people, January 2013; Last updated: October 2016

Available here

Zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone

NICE Technology appraisal guidance [TA77] Guidance on the use of zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone for the short-term management of insomnia, 28 April 2004

Read the NICE guidelines

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A note on the information we provide

We have taken care to ensure our information is true and accurate, and we have taken information from reputable third party sources. However, we have not carried out any research into the nature and effect of the products themselves.

To the extent permitted by law, YoungMinds excludes all conditions, warranties, representations or other terms which may apply to this website, whether express or implied.

YoungMinds will not be liable to any user for any loss or damage, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, even if foreseeable, arising under or in connection with:

  • use of, or inability to use, this website; or
  • use of or reliance on any content displayed on this website

The material on the Website has been adapted and re-written by us. The original publishers and authors are not responsible for any of the adaptation or re-writing.