True or False
Medications are the only way to treat mental health symptoms.
False
March 8th
What should be done if severe side effects are noticed?
Contact your doctor, but if life-threatening, seek emergency help or call 911
How might one manage constipation?
increase water intake, get 30 minutes of physical activity, eat high-fiber foods
Name one medication that helps with ADHD.
What is Focalin, Adderall, Catapress, Intuniv, Tenex, Metadate, or Ritalin
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.
What is the last name of Drake from the television show "Drake and Josh?"
Bell
Name 2 symptoms of a psychiatric medication that the doctor should be told immediately.
shuffling gait, rigidity, tremors, involuntary muscle movements, restlessness
How might one manage low blood pressure?
stay hydrated, change positions slowly
True or False: People taking certain 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) or stimulants.
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!
The most popular Lion King song is titled...
The circle of life
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)
Identify one medication for depression or that is considered an anti-depressant.
What is Lexapro, Latuda, Lithium, Zoloft, Trazadone, Prozac, or Thorazine
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.
What restaurant has the slogan "Eating Good in the Neighborhood".
What is Applebees
Name 2 symptoms of serotonin syndrome (caused by some antidepressants)
fever, muscle rigidity, anxiety, agitation, increased heart rate, confusion
How might one improve their physical well-being?
Get 30 minutes of ENJOYABLE physical activity daily, increase intake of vegetables/fruits along with your favorite foods.
Side effects of these medications can cause symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, headache, and nervousness, dizziness, drowsiness
Vistaril, Elavil, Lexapro, Prozac, Clonidine, Intuniv, Latuda, Thorazine
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.
What is the name of Jack Sparrow's ship?
Name 2 symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (caused by antipsychotics)
delirium, confusion, high fever, muscle rigidity
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!