Medication FAQs
What do I need to know about psychiatric medications?
Medication plays a key part in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. While they do not necessarily cure mental illness, prescribed drugs can significantly relieve symptoms and advance recovery – they make people feel better so they can function.
Keep in mind that you may have to try a few different medicines before you find the one that is right for you. In addition, many psychiatric medications have to be taken for several weeks before seeing results, and it can take six to eight weeks before gaining maximum benefit.
All medicines should be taken as directed. Most medications for mental illnesses do not work if they’re not taken regularly, and extra doses can cause severe, potentially dangerous side effects.
Medications may be prescribed by a physician or by an advanced nurse practitioner who works under the supervision of a physician.
Fortunately, there are many effective medications to treat mental disorders and conditions. You have the right to know what is being prescribed and why before taking it – the expected benefits, as well as potential downsides or side effects.
If there are other appropriate medications, you may want to ask why the doctor recommends the one being prescribed over others. You should have the opportunity to ask questions about your medication such as:
What is the name of the medication and what is it supposed to do?
What is its track record of effectiveness?
When should it begin to take effect and how soon before I see results?
How and when should the medication be taken? Should it be taken with food, on an empty stomach, or does it matter?
How long should I expect to be taking it, and when do I stop?
What are the primary side effects and what should be done if they occur? Are there ways to minimize them?
What food, drinks or other medicines should be avoided while taking this medication? Can I still take aspirin, Advil, vitamins and/or herbal supplements?
Is it safe to drink alcohol while on this medication?
What do I do if a dose is missed?
Is the drug available in a generic version?
How do you monitor medications? How will we know when it’s time to stop taking this medicine, or if the dose will need to be adjusted?
The best sources of information on specific medications are the physician prescribing them and the information sheets packaged with your medicine. Your pharmacist is another good resource. Other reliable sources for information on mental health medications include:
Learn about prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines – Medline Plus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html
General information about specific medications – National Alliance on Mental Illness
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications
Are psychiatric medications addictive?
Most medicines used in psychiatric treatment do not have potential for addiction. Some sedatives/hypnotics and some anti-anxiety drugs may be potentially addicting if not used properly. Talking with your physician is the best way to find out if a medication has the potential for addiction.
How will the psychiatrist choose a medication?
Before writing a prescription, your doctor needs to know your medical history, other medications you are taking, and relevant life plans – for example, if you plan to get pregnant.
Factors that can influence the medications chosen and their effect include:
Type of mental disorder, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia
Age, gender and body size
Expected results
Potential risks or side effects
Physical illnesses
Family history/genetics
Habits like smoking and drinking
Liver and kidney function
Other medications and herbal/vitamin supplements
Dietary concerns
Medication costs
After taking the medication for a short time, you should tell the doctor about favorable results as well as side effects. You may be asked to keep a chart or log to identify patterns of symptoms and track what makes them better or worse.
How long will I need to be on my medication?
It will depend on many factors – your diagnosis, symptoms, issues causing your symptoms, the medication, and how you respond, among others. Some people recover quickly from their symptoms and only need medications for a short time. For example, an individual diagnosed with depression may feel much better after just a few months of taking medication and may never need it again. In contrast, people who suffer from serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, or who have ongoing or severe depression or anxiety, may need to remain on medication for a much longer time.
I’ve been taking my medication and I’m starting to feel better. Can I stop taking it?
It is important to ask your doctor when – and how – the medication should be stopped. Some prescribed drugs cannot be stopped suddenly, because the patient may experience symptoms of withdrawal, which can be extremely unpleasant. If you and your doctor agree it is a good idea to try coming off the medicine, it may be necessary to slowly decrease the dosage of medication under his or her supervision to avoid these symptoms.
Sometimes people want to stop taking their medication when they feel their symptoms are under control or because the side effects are bothersome. The problem is that at least half of the time, the symptoms come right back. If you are taking medication, it is essential that you consult your doctor before making decisions about changes in your treatment.
My medicine is making me feel bad. What should I do?
All medications carry a risk of side effects. It is important to try to find the right balance between reducing symptoms and managing side effects. Ask yourself if the benefits of taking the medicine outweigh the side effects. If you have a problem with your medication, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
Some people experience side effects from medications and others don't. You should talk with your doctor and your pharmacist whenever there are side effects that might make you want to stop your treatment.
Most side effects can be effectively managed, perhaps by your doctor changing the dosage or the form of the medication, or even when you take your medication. It is important that your doctor and pharmacist work together to make sure your medications are working safely and effectively.