When you are diagnosed with a mental health condition, one of the treatment options your healthcare provider might recommend is one or more medications. Generally, you’ll start taking a medication, on a trial basis to see how it affects you. Your provider will watch you closely during the initial period to assess any negative side effects. Once you are taking the medication at full dose and seeing benefit, your provider will continue to work with you to assess its effectiveness.

Mental health medications typically are given in addition to other treatments such as individual or group therapy, psychological assessment, nutrition counseling, exercise, and other recreational therapeutic activities. Whether a physician has prescribed an anti-anxiety medication, anti-psychotic drug, or another medication, careful management is important for both your physical and mental health.

Medications used to treat behavioral health disorders can be accompanied by risks and side effects. Your provider will walk through with you what is normal and what might signal a serious side effect. In addition, if you have other physical or behavior health issues, and you’re taking multiple medications, it’s essential to work with you physician to avoid dangerous interactions.