Psychiatric Medication for Mental Disorders

What are psychiatric medications?

Psychiatric medications are prescribed to treat mental disorders. Sometimes called psychotropic or neuroleptic medications, they can relieve or potentially eliminate serious and disabling symptoms in people with psychiatric disorders. Although they cannot cure the disorder, they can treat the symptoms, which helps people feel better so they can function.

The role of psychiatric medications

As part of an overall treatment program, these medications can make it possible for individuals to work, go to school, contribute to society and live a fulfilling life. Scientific research indicates that symptoms of mental illnesses are associated with physiological changes that cause chemical imbalances in the brains of affected individuals. Psychiatric medications are prescribed by physicians to address those differences. To get the most out of treatment, it makes sense to take an active role in taking care of your – or your loved one’s health. As you work with your doctor and weigh your options, there are many factors to consider. Therefore, it is important to learn about medications, so you can ask your doctor about the expected benefits, any potential side effects and how they should be taken. It’s also important to share any concerns you may have.

How they affect people

Medications work differently for different people. Some people get great results from medications and only need them for a short time. For example, a person with depression may feel much better after taking a medication for a few months, and may never need it again. People with disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or people who have long-term or severe depression or anxiety may need to take medication for a much longer time.

Some people get side effects from medications and other people don't. Doses can be small or large, depending on the medication and the person. Factors that can affect how medications work in people include:

Type of mental disorder, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia
Age, sex, and body size
Physical illnesses
Habits like smoking and drinking
Liver and kidney function
Genetics
Other medications and herbal/vitamin supplements
Diet
Whether medications are taken as prescribed

Primary categories of mental health medications

Learning about your medication options can help you have a more meaningful conversation with your doctor. You also can be more fully involved in taking care of your health. Medications for mental health conditions fall into the following types:

Antidepressants

What they can do: Help reduce such feelings as sadness or depressed mood and anxiety as well as suicidal thoughts. They do not, however, make people “happy” or change their personalities.

Potential side effects: Drowsiness or insomnia, constipation, weight gain, sexual problems, tremors and dry mouth.

Antipsychotic medications

What they can do: Help reduce, or in some cases, eliminate hearing unwanted voices or having very fearful thoughts. They can promote thinking clearly, staying focused on reality, and feeling organized and calm. They also can help you sleep better and communicate more effectively.

Potential side effects: Drowsiness, upset stomach, increased appetite and weight gain, blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, low blood pressure, restlessness, weakness, shakes and twitches, and muscle stiffness. Rare side effects include seizures and problems controlling internal body temperature.

Mood stabilizers

What they can do: Help reduce or eliminate extremes of high and low moods and related symptoms. They shouldn't keep you from experiencing the normal ups and downs of life, though. These medications are also used to treat depression that lasts for a long time, that goes away but comes back or that isn't treated well enough with an antidepressant alone.

Potential side effects: Stomach problems, drowsiness, weight gain, dizziness, shaking, blurred vision, lack of coordination or confusion

Stimulants and related medicines

What they can do: Have a calming effect and help improve concentration and attention span in both children and adults. They also can improve a person's ability to follow directions and reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

Potential side effects: Trouble falling asleep, decreased appetite and weight loss. Less common side effects can include headaches, stomachaches, irritability, rapid pulse or increased blood pressure. These often go away within a few weeks after ending use or if your health care provider lowers your dose.

Tranquilizers and sleeping pills

What they can do: Reduce anxiety and insomnia and help you feel more relaxed

Potential side effects: Although some of them are used mostly to help with sleep, they all might cause drowsiness. Usually, these medications are used only briefly because longer use can cause dependency.

These medicines are generally safe when used as prescribed and have relatively few serious side effects. As with any medicine, though, some people may have difficulties. You should call your doctor right away if you experience headaches, slurred speech, confusion, dizziness, nausea or increased nervousness or excitability.

Items to discuss with your provider before s/he prescribes medications for psychiatric conditions:

Symptoms of your condition that bother you the most
If you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
Medications you have taken in the past for your condition, whether they were effective or caused any adverse effects
If you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with your provider. Some side effects may pass with time, but others may require changes in the medication.
Any other psychiatric or medical problems you have, including a history of bipolar disorder
All other medications you are currently taking (including over the counter products, herbal and nutritional supplements) and any medication allergies you have
Other non-medication treatment you are receiving, such as talk therapy or substance abuse treatment. Your provider can explain how these different treatments work with the medication.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
If you drink alcohol or use drugs

Before taking medication for a mental disorder:

Ask your doctor to tell you about the effects and side effects of the drug.
Tell your doctor about any alternative therapies or over-the-counter medications you are using.
Ask your doctor when and how the medication should be stopped. Some drugs can't be stopped abruptly but must be tapered off slowly under a doctor's supervision.
Work with your doctor to determine which medication is right for you and what dosage is best.
Be aware that some medications are effective only if they are taken regularly and that symptoms may recur if the medication is stopped.

Other questions to ask your doctor about your medications

Sources:

National Institute of Mental Health

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Mental Health America

Helpful resources:

National Institute of Mental Health (National Institutes of Health) Mental Health Medications Booklet (PDF) download http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-health-medications/NIMH-Mental-Health-Medications_45027.pdf

Mental Health America: Medications http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/medication