Managing Mental Health Medication: The Do’s, The Don’ts and The How To’s.

Megon Champion
Oct 22, 2024
6 min read

Pills falling out of a bottle with smiling faces

When you start your mental health journey, your care team may find that talk therapy is not enough to tackle your particular needs. They may recommend some form of medication. This is not something to be sad about as mental health medication plays an important role in treating mental disorders and this will help you get back on your feet faster. The trick is knowing how to manage your medication for the best results.

Types Of Mental Health Medications.

There are many types of mental health medications and while there are a few listed here, it is crucial to never self-diagnose and always work with your care team (psychiatrist, psychologist, GP, etc.) to find the best solution for you.

Anti-depressants: used primarily to treat depression, they can also be used to treat anxiety, pain, and insomnia. They usually take 4-8 weeks to work. Concentration, appetite, energy, and sleep problems will improve before your mood lifts.
Anti-anxiety medications: these are used to treat anxiety disorders. Most doctors will start with anti-depressants as they have fewer side effects than other anxiety medications.
Stimulants: these can be used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. They improve alertness, attention, and energy, which helps with the daily functioning of people with focus problems. Although stimulants can raise blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing, they are safe if taken correctly.
Mood stabilisers: these are used to treat Bipolar Disorder and mood changes associated with other mental illnesses. In some cases, these can also be used to augment medication to treat depression.

Starting Your Medication.

Your care team and you have decided on the best medication for you but now you need to set yourself up for success by taking it correctly. Here are some things to remember when starting your new medication:

NB: these medicines are not addictive or habit-forming! They are there to help with the recovery of the necessary chemical balances that the brain requires. (short-term use of sleeping tablets and tranquillisers are safe but can become addictive over time, therefore discuss their use with your care team)
Once the medicine has been prescribed, it is safe to take. However, if you have any questions about how and when to take the medication, this is the best time to discuss it with your care team.
Before taking the medication, let the care team know if you are on any other medications, natural supplements, alcohol, or even drugs. They will not judge you but they need to know to prevent potentially harmful interactions.
Make sure to let your care team know about any allergies!
Mental health medication takes up to 21 days to lay a foundation, and up to 6 weeks to see if a dosage is effective. Most people only start to feel better between 1 and 4 weeks. So hang in there.
Side effects usually happen in the first 7 days of taking the medication. You may find that your care team will put you on a lower dose to get you used to the medication. If things do not improve, contact your care team as soon as possible. These side effects can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and gastrointestinal upset.

Taking Your Medication On A Day-to-Day Basis.

The first few days to weeks are done and now you are settling into taking your medication long-term, here are some crucial tips to remember going forward:

Medication should be taken at the same time every day. If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. (If you only remember the next day, DO NOT DOUBLE DOSE)
Your gut is an integral part of the manufacture of chemicals in the body and the absorption of medication. When taking mental health medication you should eat before taking your medication as well as eating more regularly throughout the day. Protein is the most important nutrient to add to your diet to help absorb the medication. Here are some suggestions of healthy proteins:
- Eggs.
- Chicken Breasts.
- Lentils.
- Greek Yoghurt.
- Milk.
- Beans.
- Pork.
- Ground Turkey.
- Lean Beef.
- Cottage Cheese.
- Nuts.
- Salmon.
- Soy.
- Legumes.
- Oats.
- Sunflower Seeds.
You need to take your medication for a minimum of 12 months after you feel better. This means you can be on your medication for months to years. This is because your body and brain need to heal before the medication can start optimising the whole system.
If you are taking medication long-term (12 months or longer) it can affect the efficiency of the medication. You must have a six-monthly appointment with your care team to ensure that your medication is working correctly.
Not all mental health medication works the same for everybody. It can take a lot of trial and error to find the right combination for you or your care team can get it right on the 1st go. Think of it like this: “If you have a line of water glasses starting with clear water on one side and each glass changes in variants of blue until black. Medication is like a drop of red ink and will change the colour of the water as it works with the unique properties of a person’s body. The first glass will become dark red and then nuances of purple but in the last glass of black ink, it would not make a change.” Work with your care team until they get it right, don't give up too soon.
Remember medication doesn’t have to be lifelong. It can also be short-term until you have learned how to cope better through therapy.

Stopping Your Medication.

Do not stop your medication cold turkey!
A lot of medications need to be stopped slowly and weaned out of your system. This can only be done safely with the help of your care team.
If you start a rash, vomiting, or any severe allergic reaction, DO NOT TAKE that day’s dose and contact your care team immediately.
If you become pregnant keep taking your medication and contact your care team as soon as possible.
As tempting as it is to stop your medication as soon as you feel better, this is the sign that the medication has started working. This is the worst time to stop your medication. Talk to your care team if you are struggling to come to terms with this theory rather than stopping your medication.

Tips For Making Taking Your Medication Easier. (Even Fun)

While being put on mental health medication can seem overwhelming at first, you must remember that self-compassion is key. So here are some tips that can make taking your medication easier:

Refill your medication at the same pharmacy every time. This is so that they will always have stock available.
Make sure you have enough supplies. This prevents the stress of running out or rushing around trying to find more. It also stops any gaps in your treatment.
Have a list of your medication and the dosages in a safe and easily accessible place. This can help the people around you if there is an emergency.
Create a routine: Set a timer on your phone. Take your medications in a well-lit area and where you are comfortable. Take them in the same place every day.
Make it fun: get a pretty pill container or box. (make sure if you have children that it is kept out of reach) Find your favourite Tick-Tok or Instagram star that has a daily take-your-medication video. Keep your box clean and repack it monthly. Follow your medication with a pill-like sweet such as Skittles or M&Ms.
If you feel overwhelmed: have a friend or family member sit with you (body double) while you take your medication. They can chat with you and support you until you have taken your medication. (This is not the more extreme version where they check you have swallowed your medication but a light support)
If you are a parent of children or teenagers on mental health medication: remember to assist and check that your children are taking their medication correctly.

Managing mental health medication can seem overwhelming at first but once you get into a proper routine and use the medication correctly, you will find just how helpful they can be. Remember, your care team is there to help you through this journey and you should reach out to them should you have any questions.