Ask your doctor if this medicine is right for you: tips from a psychiatrist

Ask your doctor if this medicine is right for you: tips from a psychiatrist

“Ask your doctor if this medicine is right for you.” How many times have you heard that during a commercial break? Have you ever heard one of these and thought, “Yeah, that sounds exactly what I need!”? Here are some tips for talking to your doctor about medications.

1. Ask questions. No, really, we want to know what you think. Are you worried about a side effect? Are you worried that you may need to take medication for the rest of your life? Do you feel like your medication isn't exactly where you need it? We want you to be informed about what you are putting into your body and we want to hear your concerns.

2. Don't buy into the stigma. Some people worry that taking psychiatric medications will make them “weak” or “crazy.” But think about it this way – does taking a heart pill make you “weak”? Do diabetics who take insulin seem “crazy”? Your brain is an organ and its health is critically important. Sometimes the chemistry is out of balance and needs to be supplemented. It has nothing to do with willpower or weakness or content of character. Taking care of yourself is the strong and healthy thing.

3. Every brain is different. The structure of our brain, the connections of neurons, are determined by a variety of things, including our individual genes and our personal experiences. No two people have the same life experiences and no two brains are exactly the same. This extends to the arrangement of our neurons and the way they signal to each other. So know that you may react differently to the same medication than a sibling, spouse, or friend. Likewise, you may also respond differently to different medications in the same class. So if something doesn't work, talk to your doctor as there are inevitably other options.

4. Know that there are pitfalls. As much as we like to believe that these medications do exactly what they say they will do, every time you put something into your body, it affects your entire body. Sometimes this means there are other effects on other organs. Certain medications can worsen blood sugar and blood pressure or cause abnormal movements. While most side effects are simply annoying and can even be temporary, some can have potentially serious consequences if not monitored properly. Work with your doctor to find out what to look for and let your doctor know if anything comes up regarding you.

5. Medication is a tool, not magic. I can't tell you how many times I've thought, "I wish I had a pill for that." Medications are just one piece of the therapeutic puzzle. You can do your part by making healthy life choices. Often therapy is an effective adjunct to improving your skills and understanding why things are the way they are.

The most important thing is that you can work with your doctor to take control of your mental health. Be open and honest and make sure you work with someone you feel comfortable with.

Inspired by Dr. Kate Johnson