Expectations
The amount of time it takes for antidepressants to start to impact your mood
4-8 weeks
Most side effects from mental health medications are ____
Transient/Temporary
This myth about psychiatric medications makes patients think the drugs are similar to things such as opioids, cocaine, or alcohol
Fear of addiction/abuse
This neurotransmitter is the primary target for many antidepressants and helps regulate mood, arousal, appetite, and sleep
Serotonin
The amount of time it takes for someone to feel physical benefits (sleep, appetite, energy) when on an antidepressant
1-2 weeks
These three aspects of health can help deter weight gain from medication therapy
Lifestyle choices: Proper diet, exercise, and sleep
This myth about psych meds may lead patients to stop taking their medications
You can stop taking medications once you feel better
This neurotransmitter is implicated in eliciting a fear response (fight or flight) and can also impact pain response
Norepinephrine
The factors influencing how long someone may need to take a mental health medication
Severity of illness
Frequency of illness
Length of illness
These illicit substances may increase sexual dysfunction with mental health medications
Marijuana, alcohol, tobacco
This myth about medications may lead patients to think that medications are not working
Patient specific. Examples: Medications time to effect, rapid benefits
This neurotransmitter is the primary neurotransmitter indicated in pleasure, concentration, motivation, and learning
Dopamine
The amount of time it takes for antipsychotics to reduce irritability or anger
Within a few hours for some rapid-acting medications
Some may take weeks for long term benefits
Name one of the four motor side effects that can potentially happen with certain antipsychotics
Acute dystonia
Akathisia
Parkinsonism
Tardive Dyskinesia
This myth about medications is actually an undesirable side effect and would likely warrant a change in therapy
Dependent on the patient. Examples: "Zombie like" effect, perceptions about medication or disease state
This neurotransmitter is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain
GABA