True or False
Medications are the only way to treat mental health symptoms.
False
True or False? If I feel my medication is not working after 1 week, I should stop taking it.
False! Some medications can take up to 4-6 weeks to be effective.
Mixing medications and large amounts of alcohol causes this organ to work twice as hard
What is the liver
How might one manage constipation?
increase water intake, get 30 minutes of physical activity, eat high-fiber foods
These strategies can help you remember when to take medications (name 2).
writing due times in planner, setting an alarm on your phone, using a pill organizer, asking friends/family to remind you
Taking psych medications will make you happy.
They might help! But there's not a direct cause and effect. The misinformation that medications are "happy pills" can perpetuate the stigma around mental health medications.
If a medication is making me feel drowsy, what should I do?
Take at night and speak with MD if feeling sedated during the day.
Mixing alcohol with these can reduce a medication's effectiveness
What are antibiotics
How might one manage low blood pressure?
stay hydrated, change positions slowly
True or False: People taking psych medications are at higher risk for physical safety concerns during warmer weather.
True. Many psych medications affect the body's ability to maintain and regulate heat, including antipsychotics, meds with anticholinergic effects (allergy meds, hydroxyzine), stimulants, and some blood pressure meds like beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers.
I should only take my medications when I have symptoms.
Depends: how has your doctor instructed you to take them? Some medications will only work if taken on a regular basis (most antidepressants, mood stabilizers, etc), while others can be taken "as needed" for symptoms (some anxiety medications). If you aren't sure, ask!
What should you do if your medication does not seem to be effective after 6 weeks?
Speak with MD
Name 2 symptoms of allergic reaction
skin rash, hives, itching, fever, swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing
How might one manage dry mouth?
sip on water, use lozenges, use OTC mouth moisturizing products (i.e, Biotene mouthwash)
Medications in the "antipsychotic" drug class are only for people who are experiencing psychosis.
False: antipsychotics decrease the transmission of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can play a role in symptoms caused by a variety of mental health diseases, including severe depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, GAD, OCD
If two patient have the same diagnosis, they can take the same medication.
Maybe! But not definitely. Medications shouldn't be shared between friends or family members if not prescribed, even if they have the same symptoms.
True or False? It is okay to take medication only on the days I feel I need it.
False! Unless it is an as needed medication, medications should be taken daily as prescribed.
What should you ask the doctor when they prescribe you a new medication?
What is ask what it's for
How might one manage weight gain?
Get 30 minutes of physical activity daily, choose more unprocessed foods, increase intake of vegetables/fruits
Abruptly stopping this medication type can cause symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, chills, headache, and nervousness
antidepressants
Once I feel better, I should stop taking medications.
Maybe: but not without discussing with your doctor. In general, acute conditions have a shorter course of treatment and chronic conditions require longer-term treatment.
True or False? It is okay to drink alcohol while taking medications.
False! It can be dangerous to take psychotropic medications and drink alcohol.
In what year was the Internet opened to the public?
1993
How might one manage fatigue or insomnia?
Talk to doctor about changing when you take medications (day vs night), take short naps to combat fatigue or increase physical activity and avoid caffeine to combat insomnia
Name at least 2 celebrities or well-known people who have experienced mental health illnesses
Prince Harry, Chrissy Tiegen, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Demi Lovato, Kendrick Lamar, Wayne Brady, John Hamm, Kid Cudi, Lady Gaga, Jim Carrey, Brian Wilson, Carrie Fisher, J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln, Adele, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Ellen DeGeneres, Nicki Minaj, Winona Ryder, Selena Gomez, Kristen Bell, Kerry Washington, Gwenyth Paltrow, Halle Berry, Princess Diana, Glenn Close, and so on!