True/False
True or False? All mental health medications work equally well for just about everyone.
FALSE. Some mental health medications will be more effective for you than others, and one that works well for you may not be helpful for a friend or family member. It’s often a process of trial and error to find the most effective medication for your unique needs.
True or False? All individuals with Schizophrenia experience the same symptoms.
False!
True or False? Mental health medications do not cure mental illnesses.
TRUE. It’s regrettable but our science is not at the point where we can permanently “cure” mental illnesses. So don’t expect any medication to magically erase your mental health issues once and for all. However, medications can be tremendously helpful in reducing or managing distressing symptoms related to a mental health condition.
When are symptoms of Schizophrenia most likely to develop?
A. Between the ages of 5-15
B. Between the ages of 16-30
C. Between the ages of 31-45
If you go to the emergency room, why do you need to tell the doctor about the medications you are on?
A. To make sure you don’t miss a dose.
B. To help the doctor figure out exactly what you are taking.
C. To make sure the doctor doesn’t give you a medication that will cause problems if taken with the medicines you are on.
D. All of the above.
True or False? If you think you no longer need to take your medications or feel they aren’t working properly, just stop taking them.
FALSE. Several medications for mental health conditions can have unpleasant and dramatic side effects if stopped too suddenly. The dosage of many medications will need to be slowly decreased while under the supervision of your prescriber before you can stop taking them. Never go “cold turkey” and just stop taking your medications.
Schizophrenia is....
A. The result of bad parenting during your childhood
B. A brain disorder
C. A character flaw
How do you know if you are allergic to a medicine?
A. You lose your hair.
B. You get a rash, swelling, or breathing problems.
C. You vomit up the medicine.
D. You get a bruise
B. You get a rash, swelling, or breathing problems.
True or False? Mental health medications are never addictive.
FALSE. While most of the mental health medications are not addictive, there are some which have a high potential for abuse and addiction. These medications are primarily some of the ones used to treat symptoms of anxiety or panic. They are in the drug category known as benzodiazepines; common examples include Valium, Klonopin, and Xanax. If you use these medications, it’s important to communicate regularly with your prescriber to make sure they are closely monitored.
What causes Schizophrenia?
A. Chemical imbalance in the brain
B. Genetic vulnerability
C. Both A and B
Why is it important to know if a medicine should be taken with food or not?
A. Some medicines get into your body better when you take them without food.
B. Food can sometimes be used to mask the taste of medicines.
C. Some medicines are easier on your stomach when you take them with food.
D. All of the above.
Reply if you please.
True or False? All mental health medications have “side effects.” No medication is completely “safe.”
TRUE. Every medication can cause side effects, and information about common (and less common) side effects is routinely provided in the drug information provided by your pharmacist, or it can be easily found online. Take time to review this information carefully and make sure to let your prescriber know if uncomfortable side effects begin to emerge.
Antipsychotics. They reduce or improve the symptoms of certain psychiatric conditions.
Which statement is true?
A. All pills expire after 1 year.
B. The label tells you when your medicine expires.
C. You have to ask the pharmacist to figure out when your medicine expires.
D. Liquid medicines expire after 8 months.
B. The label tells you when your medicine expires.