Medical Basics
Medication Knowledge
🧠 PSYCH MEDS – SAFETY & SIDE EFFECTS
Medication Safety
Mental Health Basics
100


This vital sign measures the force of blood against artery walls.


What is blood pressure?

100


This class of medications is commonly used to treat depression and anxiety (e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine).
➑


What are SSRIs?

100


This is a common side effect of many antidepressants when starting them.

What is nausea?

100

This should be done before taking a new medication or supplement.


What is telling your provider or pharmacist?

100

Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed can be a sign of this condition.


What is depression?

200


A chronic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar.


What is diabetes?

200


This term refers to unwanted or harmful reactions to a medication.



What are side effects?

200


This is why medications should be taken exactly as prescribed.


What is to prevent side effects or overdose?

200

This increases the risk of side effects when taking psych medications.

 What is mixing medications with alcohol or drugs?

200


Sleeping too little or too much, rapid speech, and high energy may signal this mood state.


What is mania?

300


This organ filters toxins from the blood and metabolizes many medications.


What is the liver?

300

This type of medication helps stabilize mood swings in bipolar disorder.


What are mood stabilizers?

300


This side effect can increase fall risk, especially in older adults.


 What is dizziness?

300

This tool helps avoid dangerous drug interactions.



What is a medication reconciliation or medication list?

300

Re-experiencing a traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares is a symptom of this.


What is PTSD?

400


This system of the body helps fight infections and illness.
 



What is the immune system?

400


This class of medications is used to treat psychosis and severe mood disorders.


What are antipsychotics?

400


This is why benzodiazepines(ie, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Librium, Valium) should not be stopped suddenly.

What is withdrawal?

400

This is the safest action if you miss a dose and are unsure what to do.

 What is contacting your prescriber or pharmacist?

400


Hearing voices or believing things that aren’t real may indicate this mental health condition.

What is schizophrenia?

500


This medical emergency is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain.
 

What is a stroke?

500


This medication is commonly used to reduce alcohol cravings.

What is naltrexone?

500

This serious side effect can cause agitation, fever, muscle stiffness (rigidity or jerking), sweating, fast heart rate or increased blood pressure, and confusion (even seizures)

 What is serotonin syndrome?

500


This common substance can dangerously interact with many psych medications.


What is alcohol?

500

Rapid speech, impulsive behavior, high energy, and decreased need for sleep may indicate this mood state.

What is mania (in bipolar disorder)?

M
e
n
u