Glossary

Antidepressants: These are medicines used to treat mental health conditions such as depression. They can also be used to treat physical health conditions such as pain.

Examples: escitalopram (Lexapro®), fluoxetine (Prozac®), sertraline (Lustral®/Zoloft®), paroxetine (Seroxat®/Paxil®)

Antipsychotics: These are medicines used to treat some types of mental health conditions, mainly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They are also sometimes used to treat anxiety and depression.  

Examples: quetiapine (Seroquel®), olanzapine (Zyprexa®), aripiprazole (Abilify®), risperidone (Risperdal®)

Hypnotics and anxiolytics: These medicines include benzodiazepines (“Benzos”) and Z-drugs and are often referred to as sleeping tablets or anti-anxiety. They are mainly used to treat insomnia (lack of adequate restful sleep) and anxiety.

Examples: diazepam (Valium®), alprazolam (Xanax®), chlordiazepoxide (Librium®), lorazepam (Ativan®), zolpidem (Stilnoct®/Ambien®) and zopiclone (Zimovane®)

Stimulants: This group of are generally used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (uncontrollable episodes of deep sleep). In this study, stimulants does not include illicit substances such as cocaine.

Examples: atomoxetine (Strattera®), methylphenidate (Ritalin®/Concerta®)

Gabapentinoids: This term includes two drugs, gabapentin and pregabalin. These medicines are used for the management of neuropathic pain and epilepsy. Pregabalin is also used for generalised anxiety disorders.

Examples: gabapentin (Neurontin®), pregabalin (Lyrica®)