DrugStarting doseDaily dosageAdverse effectsContraindicationsCost per month for minimum daily dosage*
Beta blockers
Atenolol50 mg100 mg dailyBradycardia, depression, fatigue, hypotension, impotence, lethargyAsthma, brady-cardia, COPD$10
Metoprolol50 mg two times daily37.5 to 200 mg dailyBradycardia, depression, fatigue, hypotension, impotence, lethargyAsthma, brady-cardia, COPD$20
Nadolol (Corgard)40 to 80 mg20 to 160 mg dailyBradycardia, depression, fatigue, hypotension, impotence, lethargyAsthma, brady-cardia, COPD$40 ($140)
Propranolol40 mg divided two to three times daily120 to 240 mg two to three times dailyBradycardia, depression, fatigue, hypotension, impotence, lethargyAsthma, brady-cardia, COPD$50
Timolol20 to 30 mg20 to 30 mg daily or 10 to 15 mg two times dailyBradycardia, depression, fatigue, hypotension, impotence, lethargyAsthma, brady-cardia, COPD$50
Anticonvulsants
Divalproex (Depakote)250 mg250 to 500 mg twice dailyAlopecia, asthenia, dizziness, hepatic failure, nausea (common), pancreatitis, somnolence, thrombocytopenia, tremors, weight gainLiver disease, pregnancy$15 ($200)
Divalproex ER (Depakote ER)500 mg500 to 1,000 mg once daily$50 ($200)
Topiramate (Topamax)15 to 25 mg25 to 200 mg once dailyParesthesia (common), decreased appetite, difficulty with memory and concentration, fatigue, kidney stones, language problems, metabolic acidosis, nauseaPregnancy$15 ($180)
Antidepressants
Amitriptyline10 mg25 to 150 mg once dailyBlurry vision, constipation, decreased seizure threshold, dry mouth, orthostatic hypotension, QT prolongation, sedation, tachycardia, urinary retentionDo not use within 14 days of MAOI, avoid in acute myocardial infarction, seizure disorder$10
Venlafaxine37.5 mg150 mg once dailyDry mouth, hypertension, insomnia, mydriasis, nausea, nervousness, seizuresDo not use within 14 days of MAOI$30