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The
following is a general overview of psychiatric medications,
with the focus on “what to look out for” in terms
of special precautions, possible side effects, interactions,
signs of overdose, etc. What’s been left out is much
of the “good news:” the positive difference these
medications have made in the lives of many, many thousands
of people. Hopefully, you or your loved one will experience
that difference and be able to build upon it for a better
future.
SURVIVAL
SKILLS FOR TAKING MEDICATIONS
1)
Keep a list of all medications, including over the counter
and herbal medicine. Show this list to all doctors and your
pharmacist.
2) Use one pharmacy, so they can detect
drug interactions and call your doctor if any interactions
are detected.
3) Follow your doctor's instructions for
taking medications, but work with your doctor to fit your
medication schedule to your schedule: when you need to get
up, go to bed and get things done. Ask the doctor what to
do if you miss a dose. Never take two doses at the same
time unless you have the doctor's OK.
4) Avoid alcohol and other street drugs.
Report changes in nicotine and caffeine consumption to all
your doctors.
5) Keep all appointments. Don't hesitate
to ask questions (make a list ahead of time). Tell the doctor
about any health problems or side effects. Tell the doctor
if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or nursing.
6) Make sure your psychiatrist knows what
your medical doctor is doing for you (whether prescribing
a medication or recommending an operation or medical procedure)
and vice versa.
7) Store medications in a cool, dry place
away from children and pets.
8) Be patient. Remember, many side effects
diminish in a few weeks. It may take a few weeks before
you begin to feel better, too.
CAUTION:
NAMI-NYS does not give medical advice. This page is for informational
purposes only. Discuss all medication and medical decisions
with your physician.
Specific Medications:
Listed below is specific information on medications:
Abilify
(aripiprazole)
General information about Abilify (aripiprazole)
Celexa
(citalopram hydrobromide)
General information about Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide)
Clozapine
General information about Clozapine
Depakote
(divalproex)
General information about Depakote (divalproex)
Effexor
(venlafaxine)
General information about Effexor (venlafaxine)
Geodon
(ziprasidone)
General information about Geodon (ziprasidone)
Lithium
General information about Lithium
Luvox
(fluvoxamine)
General information about Luvox (fluvoxamine)
Paxil
(paroxetine)
General information about Paxil (paroxetine)
Prozac
(fluoxetine)
General information about Prozac (fluoxetine)
Remeron
(mirtazepine)
General information about Remeron (mirtazepine)
Risperdal
(risperidone)
General information about Risperdal (risperidone)
Seroquel
(quetiapine)
General information about Seroquel (quetiapine)
Wellbutrin
(buproprion)
General information about Wellbutrin (buproprion)
Zoloft
(sertraline)
General information about Zoloft (sertraline)
Zyprexa
(olanzapine)
General information about Zyprexa (olanzapine)
For
More Information about Medications:
National
Institute of Mental Health:
Information about psychotropic medication from the NIH institute.
An
Introduction to Pyschotropic Medications:
Information from the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
Center and UCLA.
U.S.
Food and Drug Administration Center for Drug Evaluation and
Research:
This federal agency's website has consumer information
on drugs approved by the FDA since January 1998.
Prescription
Drug Assistance Program:
Information on free or low-cost medications provided by pharmaceutical
companies.
For more in-depth information about mental illness, treatments
and supports, and medications;
please choose from the following topics:
By
Illness | What is Mental Illness?
| Treatments & Supports
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