Why Take Meds?
What is one reason a doctor might prescribe medication for mental health?
To help manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, or mood swings.
What is one way to remind yourself to take your medication daily?
Setting an alarm, using a pill organizer, or asking a parent/guardian for help.
True or False: Taking medication for mental health is a sign of weakness.
False. Taking medication shows strength and a commitment to self-care.
True or False: It’s safe to share your medication with someone else if they have the same symptoms.
False. Medications are prescribed based on individual needs.
True or False: Medications for mental health work by changing chemicals in the brain.
True
Protective gear, SPF, hydration, staying indoors
True or False: Medication can replace therapy
False. Medication and therapy often work best together.
True or False: It’s okay to skip a dose if you’re feeling better.
False. You should follow your doctor’s instructions.
True or False: You will have to take mental health medication for the rest of your life
False. It depends on the individual and the condition.
What should you do if you accidentally take the wrong dose of your medication?
Call your doctor or a trusted adult immediately
Name one type of medication that can help treat depression.
Examples include SSRIs like Prozac or Zoloft
Many psychiatric medications can commonly cause tiredness or sedation, what are some solutions if you are dealing with fatigue from medications?
Take a brief rest period during the day, consult your doctor about switching medication to bedtime
Name one mental health condition that medication might help treat.
Examples include anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or OCD
What could happen if you stop taking medication suddenly?
Withdrawal symptoms, return of symptoms, or other health risks.
True or False: Medication can change your personality.
False. It helps regulate emotions but doesn’t change who you are.
True or False: You should avoid alcohol or drugs while taking mental health medication.
True. Alcohol and drugs can interfere with the medication’s effectiveness
True or False: Everyone reacts to medication in the same way.
False. Medication effects vary from person to person
If you are feeling dizziness as a side effect of your medications, what are some things to do.
Get up slowly from sitting or lying.
Use supports if needed.
Drink plenty of fluids.
True or False: Medication starts working immediately after you take the first dose.
False. Most medications take several weeks to start working fully.
Name a tool or app that can help track medication schedules
Examples include Medisafe, CareClinic, or your phone’s calendar.
True or False: All medications cause bad side effects.
False. Many people have minimal or no side effects.
What should you do if you forget to take your medication?
Follow your doctor’s advice, which might be to take it as soon as you remember or skip it until the next dose.
What is the term for side effects that occur when you first start a medication?
Initial or temporary side effects.
What are some ways to combat weight gain from psychiatric medications?
Increase your exercise, watch your diet, speak with your provider who may adjust or switch your medications.
What is the main goal of taking medication for mental health?
To improve overall functioning and quality of life by reducing symptoms.
Why is it important to take medication at the same time every day?
To maintain consistent levels of the medication in your body for it to work effectively.)
True or False: Everyone with a mental health condition needs medication.
False. Some people manage symptoms with therapy or other skills.
Why is it important to tell your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or vitamins you’re taking?
To avoid interactions that could cause harmful side effects.
What should you do if your medication doesn’t seem to be working after a few weeks?
Talk to your doctor. They might adjust the dose or try a different medication.
What are some solutions to experiencing dry mouth as a side effect of medications?
If you are unsure of why you were prescribed a medication, what is the best thing to do?
Contact your doctor or pharmacist to obtain refills.
You may need to make a doctor's appointment.
True or false: Psychiatric medications are addictive
False
Most psychiatric medications do not cause addiction, cravings or a "high"
Some medications can cause physical dependence which is why doctors manage and taper them carefully
What are ways to safely store medications?
keep medications in a cool, dry place away from children and pets
use a lock box if needed
check expiration dates
These medications can help stabilize your mood such as in bipolar disorder.
What are mood stabilizers?
Bonus points if you can give examples!
Restlessness is a common side effect of many antipsychotic medications, what are some ways to manage these effects?
Exercise, take short walks, stretch your muscles, relax to music.
Some psychiatric medications are prescribed to prevent symptoms from coming back, even when a person is currently feeling well.
What is a relapse or reoccurrence?
Myth or Fact: it's okay to skip doses if your medication is making you sleepy.
Myth: discuss concerns with your provider, sleepiness is a common side effect which can wear away in time; your medication may require adjustment, timing change or switch to a different medication
True or false: Side effects mean the drug is failing or toxic.
Mild side effects can happen initially but often fade.
Doctors can adjust dosages or switch medications if the side effects do not go away.
What's the best way to dispose of medications?
take back/drop off programs
flushing (specific drugs)
if no take back program, throwing medications in the trash
These medications can be used to treat symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
What are antipsychotic medications.
Bonus points if you can give examples!
What are helpful ways to combat constipation which may be a side effect of your medications?
Increase water intake, increase activity, increase leafy green vegetables or bran cereal; may take laxative if suggested by your doctor