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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
General information only. Not a recommendation for any medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own situation. In an emergency, call 000.