APU Medication & Help Lines

What do you do?

100

Medication usually taken at 7 am once a day. It's 8:00 am. 

Take medication.

200

Medication is ER (extended release) given to help you focus at school and usually taken at 7am, you realize at 12 pm you forgot to take it. 

Skip that day's dose

300

The dosage of your medication changed, and you think you are having side effects

What is call your doctor. 

400

Can't swallow new pill (it's too big). 

Talk to a pharmacist usually can find a different form of the medication, or offer a way to mix it into an easy-to-swallow juice or crush into applesauce or pudding (not all medications can be crushed or chewed).

500

Should you just stop taking a psychiatric medication if you think it is not working? 

Not without talking to your doctor. 

Medication vocabulary

100

Indicates a medicine that works for a long period of time and may slowly release the drug into the bloodstream.  

 LR long acting

200

Indicates medicine moves into the bloodstream quickly,

IR: Immediate-release.

300

Medical abbreviation for a medication that is given as needed. 

PRN

400

Indicates medication is formulated to release slowly over time.

XL, XR, XT

500

A type of medication coating designed to prevent the drug from dissolving in the stomach. Instead, it dissolves in the intestines, which helps to protect the stomach lining from irritation

What is EC: Enteric coated

Help Lines

100

 "Universal Emergency Number," for citizens throughout the United States to request emergency assistance.

What is 911

200

National Hotline For Mental Health Crises And Suicide Prevention

What is 9-8-8

300

Provides access to trained counselors that understand the challenges LGBTQ+ young people face and are available for support 24/7.

The Trevor Project   1-866-488-7386 or text
‘START’ to 678-678. 

400

Who provides a free, Teen & Young Adult, confidential nationwide peer-support service that provides one-on-one emotional support, mental health information and resources needed to tackle tough challenges.

NAMI Teen & Young Adult Help Line 

Text Friend to 62640 or call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) to speak with a Teen & YA Specialist 

500

1-800-222-1222 is the phone number for

What is Poison Control - helps people of all ages when they take too much or the wrong medicine.  

General Psych Med Info

100

How long it takes for antidepressants to start working

4 - 8 weeks for some people 12 weeks 

200

Fact or Fiction medication will change my personality 

Fiction- Medication cannot change your personality. What you may notice is a reduction in the frequency of intense feelings you may have been experiencing due to your illness.

300

Neurotransmitter effected by some medications that is often called your body’s natural “feel good” chemical. When it is at normal levels, you feel more focused, emotionally stable, happier and calmer. Low levels of it are associated with depression.

What is Serotonin

400

Neurotransmitter effected by some medications that plays a role in how we feel pleasure and rewards. It's a big part of our unique human ability to think and plan. It helps us focus, work towards goals, and find things interesting. 

Dopamine

Side Effects

100

GI side effect typically begins early after starting an antidepressant. It may go away after your body adjusts to the medication.

Nausea-strategies to help:

• Take your antidepressant with food, unless otherwise directed.
• Eat smaller, more-frequent meals.
• Drink plenty of fluids, such as cool water. Try an antacid or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).
• Talk to your doctor about a dosage change or a slow-release form of the medication.

200

May happen because of fluid retention or lack of physical activity, or because you have a better appetite when your depression symptoms ease up.

Weight Gain - 

Consider these strategies:

• Select lower calorie nutritious foods, such as vegetables and fruits, and avoid saturated and trans fats.
• Keep a food diary — tracking what you eat can help you manage your weight.
• Get regular physical activity or exercise most days of the week.
• Talk to your doctor about switching medications, but get the pros and cons.

300

Sensation of spinning around or losing ones balance

 Some medications can cause low blood pressure, resulting in dizziness.

Consider these strategies:

• Rise slowly from sitting to standing positions.
• Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Take your antidepressant at bedtime if your doctor approves.

400

Difficult to get to sleep or stay asleep, so you may be tired during the day.

Insomnia - Strategies

• Take your medication in the morning if your doctor approves.
• Avoid caffeinated food and drinks, particularly late in the day.
• Get regular physical activity or exercise — but complete it several hours before bedtime so it doesn't interfere with your sleep.
• If insomnia is an ongoing problem, ask your doctor about taking a sedating medication at bedtime 

500

Can result from the stimulating effect of certain medication. It may mean you can't relax or sit still even if you want to.

Agitation, restlessness or anxiety- 

Consider these strategies:

• Get regular exercise, such as jogging, biking or aerobics, or some type of physical activity, such as walking. Talk to your doctor first about what would be a good type of exercise or physical activity for you.
• Practice deep-breathing exercises, muscle relaxation or yoga.
• Consult your doctor about temporarily taking a relaxing or sedating medication or switching to an antidepressant that isn't as stimulating.