Navigating Mental Health Medications: What Patients Should Know
Getting the right treatment for a mental health condition can be life-changing. And for many people, medication is an essential part of their treatment plan. It’s also true that when it comes to mental health medications, a lot of folks have serious concerns, or even fears. At Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness, we have heard many questions about the safety and effectiveness of the medications we prescribe. And we love getting these questions! We strongly believe that informed patients make better decisions about their psychiatric care. With that in mind, we have created this guide to help answer common questions and misconceptions about psychiatric medications.
Understanding the Purpose of Mental Health Medications
Mental health medications work by balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which affect mood, thoughts, and emotions. These medications don’t “cure” mental health conditions, but rather help manage symptoms, making it easier to engage in therapy, maintain relationships, and function in daily life.
Different classes of mental health medications include:
- Antidepressants: Help manage depression, anxiety disorders, and sometimes chronic pain
- Anti-anxiety medications: Provide relief from anxiety symptoms
- Mood stabilizers: Help control mood swings associated with bipolar disorder and certain other conditions
- Antipsychotics: Treat conditions like schizophrenia and severe bipolar disorder
- Stimulants: Help manage ADHD symptoms
Common Concerns About Mental Health Medications
“Will medication change my personality?”
This might be the most common concern we hear. The answer is no. Psychiatric medication cannot change who you are. What it does is remove the barriers that prevent you from being yourself. When medication works well, many people report feeling “more like themselves” than they have in years.
“Will I become dependent or addicted?”
While some medications (particularly benzodiazepines for anxiety) can cause physical dependence with long-term use, most mental health medications are not addictive. Physical dependence is different from addiction. It means your body has adjusted to the medication and needs to be tapered off gradually in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Your psychiatrist or nurse practitioner will create a safe tapering schedule if you decide to discontinue the medication.
“How long will I need to take these mental health medications?”
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors. You may need to take medications for a longer or shorter period of time depending on which condition you’re treating, your body’s response to the medication, and other personal health factors. Some people can benefit from short-term medications to help them out during a particularly difficult time. Others have chronic conditions that require long-term treatment. The best way to find out how long you will need to take medications is to talk to your prescriber about your individual needs.
What to Expect When Starting Mental Health Medications
The Adjustment Period
Many mental health medications take several weeks to start working. For example, most antidepressants must be taken for 2-6 weeks before they reach their full effect. During this initial adjustment period, you might experience some side effects. We know that it can be hard to tolerate side effects when your medication hasn’t started to benefit you yet. And it’s still so important to stay in touch with your provider during this time and report any concerning symptoms.
Finding the Right Fit
Finding the right medication and dosage often involves some trial and error. Everyone’s brain chemistry is unique, and what works well for one person may not work for another. Your genetic makeup, other medications you take, and your specific symptoms all influence how you’ll respond to a particular medication.
Don’t be discouraged if the first medication doesn’t work perfectly. This is common, and it doesn’t mean that you won’t find an effective medication. Your psychiatrist or nurse practitioner will work with you to find the right solution.
Managing Side Effects
All medications can cause side effects, but not everyone experiences them. Common side effects of some mental health medications may include:
- Nausea or gastrointestinal issues
- Headaches
- Sleep changes
- Sexual side effects
- Weight changes
- Dry mouth
Many side effects fade away within the first few weeks as your body adjusts to the drug. If troublesome side effects last longer than that, your provider can suggest strategies to minimize discomfort, adjust your dosage, or try a different medication.
Being an Active Participant in Your Medication Treatment
Your role in medication management is important. Here’s how to be an active participant:
- Keep detailed notes about how you’re feeling, both positive changes and side effects
- Be honest with your provider about your adherence and concerns
- Never adjust your dosage or stop taking medication without consulting your prescriber first
- Learn everything you can about your medication, including how it works and what to expect
- Combine medication with other treatments like therapy, exercise, and mindfulness practice for best results
Beyond Medication: A Holistic Approach
At Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness, we view medication as just one tool in a comprehensive treatment approach. Research consistently shows that combining medication with therapy produces better outcomes than either treatment alone for many conditions.
Additionally, Gladstone offers innovative interventions for people who have not had success in treating certain conditions with standard psychiatric medications. For example, we offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for depression and OCD. We also offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for treatment resistant depression. And our board-certified DBT Program is available to treat Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and other conditions of severe emotional dysregulation.
Other important components of mental health treatment include:
- Psychotherapy
- Lifestyle modifications (sleep, exercise, nutrition)
- Stress management techniques
- Social support
- Mindfulness practices
When to Reach Out
Contact your provider immediately if you experience:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Severe side effects
- Significant mood changes
- Confusion or disorientation
Moving Forward with Confidence
Making decisions about mental health medications can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. At Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness, we partner with you to find the right treatment approach for your unique situation.
Remember that taking medication for mental health is no different from taking medication for any other health condition. It’s not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength and self-care.
If you have questions about mental health medications or would like to discuss treatment options, we’re here to help. Contact Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness today to schedule a consultation.
