Learning psychotropic medications can be quite challenging for social workers taking the LCSW/LMSW exam. However, once you get this part down, you pretty much have it in the bag. These questions are usually very straightforward (providing a disorder, recognize the correct drug). It has nothing to do with your reasoning skills.
While it is important to study psychotropic medications, try not to dread too much because you will probably only get 1 to 3 questions on this particular topic. However, that 1 or 3 points will serve as a good cushion in passing the exam.
Let’s get to the study part!
First, you can download the Quick Reference to Psychotropic Medication by clicking here
If the Quick Reference feels too overwhelming, try to study from the list of commonly used psychotropic medications below:
ANTIDEPRESSANTS:
SSRI
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Not SSRI
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Phenelzine (Nardil)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Trazodone (Desyrel)
*The generic names are color-coded to help you recognize the pattern of how the names end with -ine and -pram.The bolded medication names indicated SSRIs. In addition to treating depression, SSRI medications have shown efficacy in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
ANTI-ANXIETY:
- Alprazolam ( xanax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Buspirone (Buspar)
* Notice that the generic names end with -pam or -lam
BIPOLAR DISORDER: (Mood stabilizer)
- Lithium
- Carbamazepine, (Tegretol)
- Diavalproez (Depakote)
- Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
- Topiramate (Topamax)
*Okay, these are tricky to remember. If you still have trouble, at least be able to recognize the popularly used mood stabilizers: Lithium, Tegretol, Depakote, Trileptal, Topamax
PSYCHO-STIMULANTS (treating ADHD)
- Amphetamine (Adderall)
- Lisdexamphetamine (Vyvanse)
- Methyphenidate (Concerta)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
*Notice the –Phe in the generic names
ANTIPSYCHOTICS
- Risperidone (Risperdal)
- Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Haloperidol (haldol)
- Paliperidone (Invega)
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Ziprasidone (Geodon)
- Asenapine (Saphris)
- Aripiprazole (Abilify)
*If you absolutely have a hard time remembering the names, at least try to remember: Risperidone, Thorazine, Seroquel, Haldol, Invega, Geodon
SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT:
- Antibute – alcohol abuse
- Methadone – helps reduce withdrawal symptoms of heroin & narcotic drugs
- Suboxone – opiate addiction
Learning to recognize these medications will help you get the easy 1 to 3 points. Memorization is optional.
I hope it helps! Please comment below if you have any questions or feedback.
Happy studying!
–Chinh
Thank you. Very useful and well broken down.
Thanks for this guide!
Thank you!!! This is sooo helpful
Sent from my iPad
>
Thanks, I never really paid attention to the green part of the medication. Thanks
You’re Awesome. I never thought to break it down that way. I read all your stuff and learn something new every time.
Very very helpful. Didn’t notice the pattens . Thanks Chinh.
The test will also expect you to know the non-Stimulant medication for ADHD, Strattera
Can you explain SSRI?
Hi Chris,
SSRI is a type of antidepressant, short for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Yes, I always confused about SSRI
Hi, SSRI is a type of antidepressant.
Thanks
Thank you so much for sharing this!
How ma y houhrs per week off study time should one average?
I think 8 to 10 hours would be great!
Hi. Is this hand out still available? It doesn’t pop up when I click the link. Thanks!
you need a trophy for this page.
Thanks so much for sharing
Clear and concise information, very helpful.
This is the last part of studying that I needed, thank you so much for taking the time to share this. Much appreciated!
Excellent association of medication family, treatment use, and medication purpose. Thank you