The experience of mental illness can have a profound impact upon people’s work, family and social lives, as well as on confidence and self-esteem.
Most people need assistance in rebuilding their lives after experiencing mental illness. Ideally, treatment involves biological (medical), psychological and social components. Whilst medications are the cornerstone of treatment for most mental illnesses, they are not sufficient in themselves to lead people to recovery. Instead, medications will alleviate or ease symptoms for most people, providing a window of opportunity to begin the journey to recovery.
The ongoing use of medications will also assist in stabilizing symptoms and preventing relapse.
This guide may not be all encompassing as new medications or ‘brands’ may be marketed. If you are unsure about a particular medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
General guidelines and precautions in relation to psychiatric medication
Finding the right medication – persist!
In searching for the right medication, it is important to understand that both symptoms and diagnoses can change over time. Typically then, a person will be prescribed a variety of medications. It is important that the person who is taking the medication understands what that particular medication is aiming to achieve. Similarly the person plays an active role in partnership with the treating doctor in
finding the appropriate medication and dosage, and in talking through concerns about side effects.
Medications have both desired effects (eg reducing symptoms) and undesired effects commonly called side effects (eg drowsiness). The aim is for each person to find a medication that is tolerable and has the least number of side effects while it effectively reduces symptoms. Adherence to a medication is much more likely when it is clear that the benefits of taking the medication outweigh the costs. Changes in medications and/or in dosage need to be achieved in partnership between the person taking the medication and the doctor to find optimum outcomes.
New medications are becoming available regularly, so it is worth pursuing the search for a medication that has the most benefit and the least side effects for a particular person.
A feature of most psychiatric medications is that they may only begin to have a beneficial effect after several weeks. This can cause frustration and confusion about whether the medication is working adequately or is in fact the right one. It is best to be patient and communicate well with the doctor about the suitability of the medication.
It is useful to request information about:
· the name of the medication, what it is supposed to do, and when it should begin to take effect;
· how the medication is to be taken ie. daily, with food etc;
· any food, drinks, other medicines and activities the person should avoid while taking this medication;
· possible side effects and what should be done if they occur;
· how long will it be necessary to take the medication;
· sources of information about this medication (eg. internet sites, pamphlets).
Looking up medications in medical texts, drug texts, or on the internet can be overwhelming and alarming. Many possible effects are listed, but not necessarily in order of importance or frequency of occurrence and the benefits of the medication may not be well presented. Discussing concerns with the doctor or a health professional can be helpful.
It is also important to remember that people may experience more than one diagnosable and treatable condition and may be prescribed a combination of medications.
Before starting or changing any psychiatric medication it is important that the doctor knows whether the person:
• has a particular active medical condition;
• is taking any other prescription or non-prescription medicines including complementary or herbal treatments;
• is smoking, consuming alcohol or street drugs;
• is breastfeeding, pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
It is important to take all medications as directed, not just on an as needed basis. Most medications for mental illnesses do not work when taken irregularly, and extra doses can cause unnecessary side effects.
Reference:
Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria - www.mifellowship.org
Mental Health Research Institute - www.mhri.edu.au
National Alliance of the Mentally Ill (NAMI) (USA) - www.nami.org
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