Medication Basics
What is the purpose of psych medications?
To help manage symptoms
I am small, but I make a big difference in your mood. You must take me daily. Who am I?
psych meds! (e.g., antipsychotic, antidepressant, etc)
What is one thing you can do to help remember to take your medication?
Set alarms, use a pill organizer, etc.
Maria started a new medication and now carries a water bottle everywhere. She feels like her mouth is the Sahara Desert. What side effect is she experiencing?
Dry mouth
You feel dizzy after taking your meds and tell a staff member right away.
Right! Reporting side effects helps staff keep you safe.
True or False: Psychiatric medications work immediately.
False – most take weeks or even months to take full effect (depending on the person too)
I help you sleep, but too much of me can make you groggy the next day. Who am I?
sleeping pill (e.g., Ambien, Trazodone)
Name one healthy habit that can support mental health alongside medication
Exercise, good sleep, therapy, etc.
John took his antipsychotic before bed, but when he woke up, he felt like a zombie for hours. He could barely get out of bed. What side effect is he experiencing?
Drowsiness / Fatigue
Drinking coffee or energy drinks is definitely OK as long as it’s in moderation.
Right! Too much caffeine can cause restlessness or trouble sleeping
Name one common side effect of psych meds.
Drowsiness, dry mouth, weight gain, etc.
People often forget about me, but without me, meds don’t work well. I am part of a healthy routine. Who am I?
drinking water
What should you do if you feel like your medication isn’t working?
Talk to your doctor before making changes
Kevin noticed his pants don’t fit the same after a few months on his new meds. He hasn’t changed his eating habits much, but the scale keeps going up! What side effect is he experiencing?
Weight gain
You feel nervous about a new medication and ask staff what it’s for.
Right! Knowing what you’re taking is important.
Medications work best when there's a steady level in your bloodstream. Taking them at the same time ensures that the levels stay consistent, helping the medication work as intended.
Some people taking antidepressants may notice an increase in this, which can be managed by their doctor
Weight gain
True or False: Stress can affect how well your medication works.
True – high stress can impact mental health and medication effectiveness
Samantha stood up too fast from her chair and suddenly felt super dizzy, like she was about to faint. What side effect is she experiencing?
Low blood pressure / Dizziness / Orthostatic hypotension
You decided to drink alcohol during day pass and decided not to inform staff upon returning.
Wrong! Not informing staff compromises your health and safety. Alcohol may worsen symptoms and negatively interact with current medications you are taking.
True or False: You should stop taking your medication if you start feeling better
False – stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal or relapse
I help with delusions and voices you hear,
Without me, reality may not be clear.
I come in pills, shots, and even liquid too,
For schizophrenia and psychosis, I help you. Who am I?
Antipsychotic medication
Name one way to advocate for yourself.
Ask questions, keep track of symptoms, report side effects, etc.
Anna forgot to take her medication for a few days, and now she feels sick, like she has the flu. She has headaches, nausea, and feels ‘off.’ What might be happening?
Medication withdrawal
Your "roommate" offers you a pill they say helps with sleep, so you take it.
Wrong! Never take medication from another client.