Mental health medications

May 15 / Peter Piñón

As someone who values mental health and wellness (and someone who has struggled with mental illness), you understand the importance of finding effective ways to manage your mental health conditions.

For many people, mental health medications can be a valuable tool in treating various conditions, from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Let’s look at the major types of medications, then I’ll give you some tips on how to get the most out of using any of them.

Here’s an overview of the common types of mental health medications.

Antidepressants

One of the most frequently prescribed type of medications for mental health conditions is antidepressants.

These medications are used to treat a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

Antidepressants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, in the brain.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant that is commonly prescribed. These medications work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain, which can help to regulate mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Some examples of commonly prescribed SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft).

Another type of antidepressant that is commonly prescribed is serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These medications work by increasing the availability of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Examples of SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).

Anti-anxiety

Anti-anxiety medications, also known as anxiolytics, are another type of medications commonly prescribed to treat mental health conditions.

These medications are used to treat conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Anti-anxiety medications work by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to calm the activity of certain neurons in the brain.

Benzodiazepines are a type of anti-anxiety medication that is commonly prescribed. These medications work quickly to reduce symptoms of anxiety and can be effective for short-term use. But please be careful, benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop using them.

Examples of benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Buspirone is another type of anti-anxiety medication that is commonly prescribed. This medication works by stimulating serotonin receptors in the brain, which can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone is not habit-forming and does not lead to withdrawal symptoms (as far as we know, but medications can effect everyone differently, so still be careful). But, you have to be patient, it can take several weeks for the full effects of buspirone to be felt.

Mood Stabilizers

Mood stabilizers are medications that are commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, a mood disorder characterized by episodes of mania and depression. These medications work by modulating (regulating) the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin.

Lithium is a commonly prescribed mood stabilizer that has been used for decades to treat bipolar disorder. This medication is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of manic episodes, but it requires careful monitoring to avoid toxicity.

Other mood stabilizers, such as valproic acid (Depakote), are also commonly prescribed to treat bipolar disorder.

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics are a type of medications that are commonly used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychotic disorders. These medications work by blocking the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

While antipsychotics are commonly used to treat psychotic disorders, they can also be used to treat symptoms of other mental health conditions, such as severe anxiety or depression. But, most of the time, these medications are often associated with significant side effects, such as weight gain, sedation, and movement disorders.

Atypical antipsychotics are a newer type of antipsychotic medications that are associated with fewer side effects than traditional antipsychotics. These medications work by targeting different neurotransmitters in the brain than traditional antipsychotics.

Examples of atypical antipsychotics include risperidone (Risperdal) and olanzapine (Zyprexa).

Stimulants

Stimulant medications are another type of medications that are commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These medications work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help to improve attention, focus, and impulse control.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine (Adderall) are two examples of stimulant medications commonly prescribed to treat ADHD.

While these medications can be effective in treating ADHD symptoms, they can also be associated with side effects such as decreased appetite, insomnia, and increased heart rate.

Now that you understand the main types of mental health medications, here are 10 tips to help you get the most from them.

Tip 1: Work closely with your mental health professional

Develop an open and honest relationship with your mental health professional. They can help you determine the right medication, dosage, and treatment plan for you. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to bring them up during your appointments.

Tip 2: Take your medications as prescribed

Follow the instructions of your mental health professional and take your medications exactly as prescribed. Don't skip doses or stop taking medications without first consulting with your mental health professional. If you have any difficulty remembering to take your medication, consider using a pill organizer, setting reminders or alarms, or writing a sticky note.

Tip 3: Keep track of any side effects

All medications have potential side effects, so be aware of them. Make a note of any side effects you experience and discuss them with your mental health professional. They may be able to adjust your medication or prescribe a different one that has fewer side effects.

Tip 4: Don't mix medications

Mixing medications can be dangerous, so inform your mental health professional about any other medications or supplements you're taking. Some medication can work together for an enhanced effect and others can have the opposite effect of what you’re looking for. Also, let you provider know about any over-the-counter medications you regularly take.

Tip 5: Stay informed

Read the medication label and any informational materials provided by your mental health professional. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask. If you’re not sure what to ask, you can do some research online, but don’t change your approach until you talk to your mental health provider.

Tip 6: Be patient

Mental health medications can take several weeks to start working, so please remember to be patient and give the medication time to take effect. If you don't see immediate results, don't stop taking your medication without first consulting with your mental health professional.

Tip 7: Don't rely only on medications

While medications can be a significant part of your treatment plan, they shouldn't be the only treatment. You should participate in therapy, make lifestyle changes, and practice self-care to improve your mental health.

Tip 8: Store your medications properly

Keep your medications in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets. Follow any specific storage instructions provided by your mental health professional or on the medication label.

Tip 9: Don't share medications

Medications are prescribed for a specific individual, and sharing them can be dangerous and is illegal. This happens more than you may realize, so avoid the temptation to take someone else’s medication when you’re struggling.

Tip 10: Attend regular check-ins

Regular appointments with your mental health professional are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of your medication and make any adjustments to your treatment plan. These appointments can also provide you with the support and guidance you need to manage your mental health condition.

Ultimately, mental health medications can be a valuable tool in treating a range of mental health conditions, but they should always be approached with care and used with other treatments for best results. Working closely with a qualified healthcare professional is essential in determining the right medication and dosage for your needs.

By exploring all of the available options and taking a holistic approach to mental health treatment, you can find the support you need to improve your mental health and overall wellness.