Medication Basics
Name one common category of psychiatric medication.
Antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or antianxiety/sedative medications
What is a medication side effect
An unwanted or undesired effect that can occur while taking a medication
True or False: Taking medication at about the same time each day can help make it part of a routine.
True.
True or False: People may have different beliefs about psychiatric medications based on their culture, family, and personal experiences.
True.
Which type of psychiatric medication is commonly used to treat depression?
Antidepressants.
True or False: Two people taking the same medication will always experience the same side effects.
False. People can respond differently to the same medication.
If you miss a medication dose and are unsure what to do, what is the safest next step?
Ask your prescriber, nurse, pharmacist, or treatment team for instructions.
True or False: If a psychiatric medication is helping, that means the person will never experience symptoms again.
False. Medication can reduce symptoms and relapse risk, but it does not guarantee symptoms will never return.
Which medication class is commonly used to stabilize mood and treat symptoms of mania and depression?
Mood stabilizers.
What is one simple strategy that may help with medication-related dry mouth?
Sip water, chew sugar-free gum, or suck on sugar-free hard candy.
True or False: If you miss a dose, you should automatically double your next dose.
False.
A patient says, “If my symptoms improve, that means the illness is cured.” What is the more accurate fact?
Medication can reduce symptoms and lower the risk of relapse, but symptom improvement does not necessarily mean the condition is cured.
Which medication category may be used to reduce anxiety or help with sleep
Antianxiety and sedative medications
Feeling dizzy when standing up can occur with some medications. What are two strategies that may help reduce dizziness and lower the risk of falling?
Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down, and maintain adequate hydration.
Name one strategy that can help someone remember to take medication.
Examples: using an alarm, pill organizer, calendar, linking it with a daily routine, phone application, or taking it at the same time each day.
A patient says, “Alcohol or other drugs won’t affect my psychiatric medication as long as I take it as prescribed.” What fact corrects this myth?
Alcohol and other substances can interact with psychiatric medications and may increase side effects or change how safely the medication works. For example, alcohol can increase sedation with some antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and antianxiety/sedative medications.
In The Little Mermaid, what is Ariel’s father’s name
King Triton.
Which medication class is commonly used to reduce symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions?
Antipsychotic medications.
What should you do if you experience a troubling or serious medication side effect?
Tell your nurse, prescriber, or treatment team so the side effect can be evaluated and appropriate options discussed.
Why are blood tests sometimes needed with medications such as lithium
To monitor the medication level and help make sure it stays within a safe range.
“All psychiatric medications are addictive.” What fact corrects this myth?
Most psychiatric medications are not addictive. Some medications, such as certain benzodiazepines, can cause dependence, but that does not apply to all psychiatric medications.