Medicines

Plain-English medicine guides: brand names, how they work, what they’re for and side effects.

• Blood pressure and heart medicineACE inhibitorsA widely used family of tablets that relax blood vessels. Used for blood pressure, heart failure, after a heart attack and to protect the kidneys.
• Medicine familyAlpha-2 agonistsClonidine, guanfacine and relatives compared. Calm the body’s “fight or flight” signals; used for ADHD, tics, blood pressure and hot flushes.
• Tricyclic antidepressantAmitriptylineAn older antidepressant now mostly used in low doses for nerve pain, migraine prevention and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dangerous in overdose.
• Heart and blood pressure medicineBeta blockersA family of medicines that slow the heart and blunt the effects of adrenaline. Used for heart conditions, blood pressure, migraine and tremor.
• Alpha-2 agonistClonidineAn older blood pressure tablet that calms the body’s “fight or flight” signals. Now used more for ADHD, sleep and tics than for blood pressure.
• Stimulant (amfetamine)DexamfetamineA stimulant tablet for ADHD and narcolepsy. A controlled (Schedule 8) medicine with strict prescribing rules.
• SSRI antidepressantEscitalopramA widely used antidepressant for depression and anxiety disorders. Taken once a day. Usually well tolerated.
• SSRI antidepressantFluoxetineA long-established antidepressant. Its very long half-life means fewer withdrawal symptoms but slow wash-out. Sometimes used in young people, with specialist guidance.
• Medicine familyGLP-1 medicinesSemaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide and dulaglutide compared. Gut-hormone copies for type 2 diabetes and weight.
• GuideGLP-1 medicines guideSide effects in numbers, stopping and weight regain, muscle, pregnancy, surgery, fakes, PBS cost and rare risks.
• Alpha-2A agonist (non-stimulant)GuanfacineA non-stimulant ADHD medicine for children and teenagers. Not addictive. Can be used alone or added to a stimulant.
• Biguanide (diabetes tablet)MetforminThe usual first tablet for type 2 diabetes. Cheap, well proven, and doesn’t cause hypos or weight gain on its own.
• Stimulant (methylphenidate)MethylphenidateThe most widely used ADHD medicine, in short- and long-acting forms. A controlled (Schedule 8) medicine with PBS age-at-diagnosis rules.
• Antidepressant (NaSSA)MirtazapineAn antidepressant taken at night. Often causes drowsiness and a bigger appetite, which can help some people and be a problem for others.
• Wakefulness-promoting agentModafinilA tablet that helps people stay awake. Used for excessive daytime sleepiness from narcolepsy, sleep apnoea or shift work.
• UnapprovedPeptides (BPC-157, TB-500)Injections sold for healing, muscle and anti-ageing. Not approved in Australia, mostly tested only in animals.
• Acid-reducing medicineProton pump inhibitors (PPIs)Tablets that turn down stomach acid. Used for reflux, ulcers and H. pylori. Best at the lowest dose for the shortest time.
• Atypical antipsychoticQuetiapineAn antipsychotic for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Low doses for sleep or anxiety are not approved and not recommended.
• GLP-1 receptor agonistSemaglutideCopies a natural gut hormone that controls blood sugar and appetite. Used for type 2 diabetes and weight management.
• SSRI antidepressantSertralineA widely used antidepressant for depression, OCD, panic and other anxiety conditions. One of the best-studied in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Medicine familySGLT2 inhibitorsEmpagliflozin, dapagliflozin and relatives compared. Diabetes tablets that also protect the heart and kidneys.
• Cholesterol-lowering medicineStatinsA family of tablets that lower LDL cholesterol and cut heart attacks and strokes. Muscle aches are usually not the statin.
• GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonistTirzepatideCopies two natural gut hormones that control blood sugar and appetite. Used for type 2 diabetes, weight management and sleep apnoea with obesity.
• Medicines comparedWeight-loss medicinesEvery approved weight-loss medicine side by side: trial results, side effects and what happens when you stop.

Weighing two options? See the side-by-side comparisons, such as Ozempic vs Mounjaro.

General information only. Not a recommendation for any medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own situation. In an emergency, call 000 (Australia) or your local emergency number. From a mobile, 112 works in most countries.