Counseling, good habits, and other nonpharmaceutical approaches to mental health can do a lot. However, in some cases, medication can provide the extra help you need to manage mental health conditions and feel like you are in control of your life. What can you expect as you get started on your journey with modern psychiatric medications? This blog post explains some important basics.
What Conditions Can Be Helped by Medication?
Medications can help to relieve symptoms of a wide range of mental health conditions, including the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Eating disorders such as bulimia and binge eating disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Insomnia
- And more!
Medications are not limited to severe cases; people with moderate symptoms or those who have not responded fully to therapy alone may also find them helpful. Your psychiatric care provider can help you determine whether medication might improve your quality of life.
How Do Medications Work in the Body?
Psychiatric medications act on specific chemical pathways in your brain and nervous system. Most commonly, they influence neurotransmitters — chemicals that carry signals between nerve cells — such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. By helping to balance these chemicals, medications can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and stabilize thought patterns.
The effects of psychiatric medications often build gradually. Some medications may begin to relieve symptoms within days, while others might take several weeks to reach their full benefit. Your care provider will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed, taking into account your unique response and any side effects that arise. Consistent use and patience are important, as your body may need time to adapt to the medication.
How Can You Be Successful with Psychiatric Medications?
Your success with psychiatric medications relies on a combination of commitment, communication, and self-awareness. You should:
- Take your medication exactly as prescribed, at the same time each day, and do not stop unless your healthcare provider advises you to do so.
- Keep a record of your symptoms, side effects, and any changes you notice; this information will be valuable during follow-up appointments. Your provider may periodically have to adjust your medications or dosages.
- Maintain an open dialogue with your care provider. Share your concerns, ask questions about possible interactions, and discuss any difficulties you encounter.
- Complement your medication with other good habits, such as regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and stress management techniques.
If you are beginning psychiatric medication, remember that progress takes time and every step forward matters. Hopefully, you will soon notice positive effects!
Meet the Practice
Fauzia Akhtar is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than a decade of experience. She is well-qualified to treat the conditions mentioned in this article and provide medication management. If you believe you could benefit from her expertise and that of our team, contact TruHarmony Psychiatry at 512-649-3880.
