8 Common Myths about Psychiatric Medications
Myth No.1: Taking psychiatric medications is just like taking “happy pills”.
A lot of people mistakenly believe that psychiatric meds just act as general mood enhancers, like a temporary pick up when you feel down. This is simply not the case, as these drugs are carefully engineered to correct certain neurochemical imbalances in the brain. They assist in leveling the mood and reducing the severity of symptoms across a range of mental health disorders, including depression, rather than acting as a mood booster. They work by targeting neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine which, in turn, helps regulate the mood and produce a calmer, less disturbed mental state.
Myth No.2: Psychiatric drugs are addictive.
Some psychiatric drugs, including certain benzodiazepines, can lead to dependence, but other psychiatric drugs (like SSRIs and atypical antipsychotics) are not addictive. We need to make a distinction between dependence and appropriate use under the direction of a health care provider.
Myth No.3: Once you’re on meds, you can never go off.
Some people are afraid that if they start on psychiatric medications, they will be on them forever. In actuality, treatment plans are adjustable. Some people may be able to scale back their medication under a doctor’s supervision as their symptoms go away.
Myth No.4: Psychiatric medications just provide a Band-Aid solution.
People want a quick fix when it comes to psychiatric medications — but it can take weeks or even months to see the full effect. Finding the right medication or right dosage can also be a bit of trial and error, and it takes time.
Myth No.5: Psychiatric drugs alter who you are.
There is this concept that these drugs change who you are. They’re actually designed to help deal with things that might be disrupting your day-to-day life to help you feel like you again rather than completely changing your personality.
Myth No.6: It’s okay for me to stop taking my meds if I’m feeling better.
The relief that accompanies the easing of symptoms can tempt you to consider stopping medication. But you should not make any decision to do so without consulting professionals. Quitting the medicine without the doctor’s OK might cause a return of symptoms or have other negative effects. A methodical weaning protocol may be required to maintain this new baseline.
Myth No.7: All psychiatric meds cause serious side effects.
Yes, some people may experience side effects from psychiatric medications, but they are not universal, and often people find that those side effects go away over time. Moreover, there are many newer drugs that have been introduced and which are considerably safer.
Myth No.8: If you’re on psychiatric medication, there’s something wrong with you.
Mental health care carries a stigma of being medication-dependent, signifying weak coping skills to sedate your psychological demons. The truth is accepting help and medication as a tool within the healing realm is some of the most powerful, courageous, and devoted self-knowledge and self-care someone could ever take.
With increased awareness and knowledge of psychotropic drugs, and the challenging beliefs and myths about medication, we can all work together to challenge these beliefs around medication and to open the dialogue about psychotropics by supporting those who seek help in becoming well.
Arbor Wellness provides medication management, and we can assist you in this aspect. Just give us a call, and we would love to answer any questions you may have about how medication could help you.
Sources:
https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/mental-health-medications/
https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/myths-and-facts-about-mental-health
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction-substance-use-disorders/what-is-a-substance-use-disorder
https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/benzodiazepines
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-a-psychotropic-drug#Why-are-psychotropic-drugs-prescribed
https://screening.mhanational.org/content/how-fast-do-mental-health-meds-work/
https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/mental-health-medications/what-to-avoid-with-psychiatric-medications/
https://psychcentral.com/lib/discontinuing-psychiatric-medications-what-you-need-to-know#consider-the-reasons
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046477