Medication prescribed by a mental health professional can benefit people working through a mental health disorder. Along with those benefits, there can be many side effects to be aware of. Finding a medication that works well for you can be a challenge and may take some trial and error before selecting the most effective medication. Your mental health professionals will work with you to find a drug that works for you, but the process may require patience.
One of the most significant factors that play into which medication is best for you is your diagnosis. The medications for different mental health disorders have varied effects. It is important to medicate the correct diagnosis to see successful results.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a common form of medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia. There are other forms of medications that work as antidepressants; however, SSRIs are the most common. These prescription medications can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety and allow people to focus on other aspects of their recovery without their mental health disorder weighing down on them. Along with the benefits, there are possible side effects of SSRIs, including:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Weight gain
- Decreased sexual desire
It is not guaranteed that everyone who takes SSRIs will experience any or all of these side effects. However, they are possible and vital to be aware of. Many individuals notice a nauseous feeling for the first couple of weeks of taking SSRIs but find that this side effect is only temporary.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat anxiety. While SSRIs can have a positive effect on anxiety, they are typically geared toward depression as well. Benzodiazepines can be beneficial for those who struggle with extreme anxiety. It is critical to slowly taper off the medication when stopping use to avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms. They can also cause a variety of side effects, such as:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Brain fog
Stimulants
Stimulants are primarily prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Taking a stimulant without having ADHD can cause extreme levels of focus and a feeling of being “wired,” which can become dangerous and addictive. However, if someone takes a stimulant with ADHD, it can have reverse effects. Stimulants can calm people with ADHD and help them regain focus on one particular thought or activity without their minds wandering. Experiencing side effects is possible but is more common for individuals who do not have ADHD. Some side effects include:
- Restlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Increased heart rate
Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers are commonly prescribed to treat severe depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other extreme behavioral disorders. Mood stabilizers can regulate high levels of emotions and maintain a neutral standpoint. This does not necessarily mean those who take mood stabilizers will not feel emotions; they will not be as extreme. Some side effects are common with mood stabilizers, such as:
- Weight gain
- Mild tremors
- Irregular heartbeat
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics can also work as mood stabilizers. This form of medication can be extremely beneficial to those diagnosed with schizophrenia or psychosis or those who experience frequent hallucinations. Antipsychotics can ground people and make it less likely for their minds to reach a drastically unstable state. Side effects to be aware of before taking prescribed antipsychotics include:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Restlessness
- Dry Mouth
- Weight Gain
Adjusting to Medications
Other forms of prescription medications can be incorporated into your recovery. However, the drugs listed above are the most commonly prescribed for those dealing with mental health disorders. With any of these medications, it is essential to give the medication time to take effect. The first few weeks of acclimating can pose challenges, but the medication may work well after a month of use.
Talk to your healthcare professionals before you go on medication so you know what to expect, and after you start taking it, keep them updated about your experiences. You may find a medication that works great for a few months but notice its effects diminish over time. Keeping your doctor updated on the progress of your medicine is essential to ensure you are taking a prescription that works well for you. Following your doctor’s guidelines on starting a new medication and stopping an old one will ensure that you make the transition correctly.
Mental health medication can be very beneficial to ease your symptoms, but it can take a great deal of patience to find what works best for you. Remember to keep your mind open to changes and allow enough time to pass in order to experience a medication’s full effects.
Finding an effective medication to help with your mental health disorder can be challenging. One of the most important factors for finding an effective prescription drug is patience throughout the process. It may take time to experiment and discover what form of mental health medication works best for you specifically. You may find one that works on your first try, or you may be prescribed several to try before finding one that gives you the results you want. These are the most common psychological medications prescribed with important information listed for each. Reviewing this information and understanding the effects can make this experimental process more manageable and help you better communicate with your mental health professionals. Following your prescriber’s recommendations is essential to get the most out of medications and avoid experiencing the adverse side effects that these medications can pose. To learn more about mental health medications, contact Dream Recovery at (949) 732-1960.