When taking mental health medications it is important to remember certain things. These include remembering that it takes time for them to work.
By following the various areas outlined in this article it should help you to manage expectations and improve your overall mental wellbeing.
1. Psychiatric medicine takes time to work
One of the most important things to remember about psychiatric medicine is that it will take time for them to work. No one should take them and expect a quick fix.
For example, antidepressants will frequently take 2-3 weeks for them to work. Exceptions to this includes benzodiazepines – which are sometimes prescribed for severe anxiety.
2. There is always a choice for the patient
Apart from in very select circumstances, it is always your choice over whether or not you take psychiatric medicine that has been prescribed.
If you decide after taking psychiatric medicine for a few weeks that you would like to stop, you can. However, it is very important that you speak to your doctor before doing so. You should never stop taking a medicine without consulting your doctor.
3. Review your dose regularly
The dosage of medication is very important. Improved wellbeing can just be a slightly higher dosage away. Therefore, reviewing your dose on a regular basis is important.
But this should only ever be done in conjunction with a doctor. They will be able to support you in your decisions and provide you with tailored advice.
4. Not all medicines are the same
Many people do not find any benefit after trying one medicine. It is important to not get disheartened if this happens. Instead, it can take time to find a medicine that works.
Not all medicines are the same. For example, there are many different types of antipsychotics. You may need to try a few different ones before finding one that works.
5. Remember not to run out!
In order to maximise the efficiency of your medication, make sure you take it consistently and as directed. You will not see its full benefit if you stop and start it.
Therefore, ensure that you don’t run out. You could set a reminder on your phone to let you know when to order your medicine. Or you can set up a repeat delivery service with a pharmacy.
6. You are on the right path
Recovering from a mental health condition is a challenging process. But the good thing is that medication can often be the start of your recovery.
At the very least, taking medication offers a different avenue that you may not have explored yet. A better future will hopefully be on the way.
Summary
It is important to remember that even by being here and reading this – that you are doing well! Reading this article shows you care about your mental health.
This is a crucial step towards getting better. It is important to remember all of the above points, with this knowledge being capable of improving the experience of taking psychiatric medicine.
See Also
- What Are Controlled Medicines? Explanation of Controlled Drugs
- Are Mental Health Medicines Safe? Are There Long-term effects?
- Everything You Need To Know About Prescriptions: Information, Cost and More
- 10 Alternative and Complimentary Mental Health Treatments
- 10 Common Myths About Mental Health Medicines
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