Thank you for sharing your concern- it's completely okay to feel confused about your medications, especially when you read different things online.
1. Seroquel (quetiapine) is indeed used for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, but at lower doses it’s commonly prescribed for sleep, anxiety, or mood stabilization, especially in adolescents.
2. Inspiral (a stimulant, likely methylphenidate or a similar medication) is often used for attention difficulties or ADHD symptoms, which can coexist with anxiety or OCD.
3. Escitalopram 15 mg is an SSRI. It’s FDA-approved for anxiety and OCD and can be safely used in adolescents under proper monitoring.
4. Zolcalm 10 (likely zolpidem) is a short-term sleep aid, used occasionally in young people with sleep-onset insomnia under supervision.
Your doctor may be addressing multiple symptoms (like anxiety, sleep difficulty, possible OCD, or attentional problems), and these medications can be safe and effective when used carefully in combination. Your doctor’s decisions seem reasonable, but it’s important you fully understand the purpose of each medication.
Next Steps
1. Request a clear, simple explanation from your psychiatrist about each medication and its purpose.
2. If you’re still unsure or uncomfortable, ask for a second opinion, ideally from a child and adolescent psychiatrist.
3. Keep a daily journal of your symptoms and side effects to discuss at follow-up.
Health Tips
a. Do not stop or adjust your medication without medical supervision- it may worsen symptoms.
b. Avoid Googling medications without context, as many have multiple uses that vary by dose and age.
c. Consider therapy alongside medications—CBT is highly effective for anxiety and OCD, especially in teens.