Many individuals diagnosed with mental health issues take psychotropic medications.  Most people struggle with medication compliance and consistency.  Usually people struggle because they do not like the side effects psychotropic medications can cause.  Medications usually match your diagnosis (i.e. anti-depressants for depression and anti-anxiety for anxiety disorders). At times some individuals will get a mix of psychotropic medications to help combat the side effects and improve their quality of life. 

The type of side effects experienced depends on the type of medication for example, common side effects with depressive medication are headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and sleeping problems.  While people with anxiety medications usually experience decreased appetite, sleep problems, upset stomach, and headaches.

Although the side effects can be uncomfortable you should not stop taking your medication or lower your dose without fist talking to a medical professional (usually a psychiatrist).  It is important to note that for some, depending on the medication prescribed, withdrawal symptoms can be a problem. It is not advisable to quit abruptly.  If you are uncomfortable with how to approach their medical provider it is wise to discuss discontinuing medication with your mental health professional (i.e. psychologist or therapist).  It is highly recommended to do this first so that one can examine the reasons for wanting to discontinue their medication and the possible medical, social and emotion changes one might experience.

Tips for assisting your medical provider when taking psychotropic medication:

  • Keeping a log or journal of your side effects to tell your doctor on your next appointment is helpful. It will inform the doctor of what side effects are continuing and which ones are decreasing. It will also give a clear picture of how the medication is interacting with your body.
  • Take your medication as prescribed. Your provider can not get an accurate picture if you do not take medication as directed. This ensures that side effects are from the medication.
  • Discuss and solicit tips or coping skills that might assist with the side effects and relive your discomfort (i.e. eat smaller meals during the day to decrease nausea).