Psychiatric medications are traditionally used to treat symptoms of mental health conditions and can be life-saving methods for managing mental health crises. Your doctor may prescribe you medications that are specifically meant to help you establish healthy ways to cope and manage symptoms of mental health issues, which is completely normal. There is no shame in using these medications as they can be crucial for establishing mental well-being in many people who seek care for mental health issues. However, as with taking any medication, safety precautions should be used to ensure that these medications are taken correctly and that people who are using them get the best experience possible and are safe.

Some safety precautions to remember when using psychiatric medications can include:

Know About Medication Reactions When Used With Other Substances

Knowing more about the medications you are prescribed can be essential for safely taking them. So, before you begin taking any medication, it’s important to speak with your medical team and doctor about potential reactions of your medication mixed with other substances. This can include any medications that you’re already taking, alcohol, and even over-the-counter medications. If you are taking a medication that may interact badly with a psychiatric medication, you can work with your doctor to prescribe something else or work with you to come up with an alternative plan for treatment.

Know How to Store Your Medication

Medication storage may be different from medication to medication. Some medications must be stored in the refrigerator to allow the active ingredients to work. So, it’s best to ask your doctor or your pharmacist about how to store your medications so they don’t go bad. Furthermore, it’s important to come up with a plan to store your medications safely, out of the way of children’s access. This can mean locking your medication up in a medicine cabinet or high up on a shelf.

Be Aware of What Steps to Take if You’re Experiencing Side Effects

Every medication has a potential list of side effects. Knowing what these side effects are can keep you safe. For example, understanding common side effects that are temporary and non-life-threatening can allow you peace of mind in knowing that these effects are normal and nothing to worry about. But, it is imperative to understand the list of side effects that you should be aware of that may be life-threatening. And, know what to do if you’re experiencing these types of side effects. If you end up experiencing side effects that are life-threatening, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room to get help and also reach out to your doctor to let them know. They can help you get off these medications for your safety in a safe way.

Keep Your Symptoms in Mind

When it comes to taking medications, sometimes, your symptoms worsen. It can be helpful to be aware if whether or not this is something you should expect when taking any prescription medication, so ask your doctor if this is something you can expect. If worsening symptoms aren’t something to be expected, know that you should reach out to your doctor if you are experiencing them. This way, you can find an alternative source of medication or treatment that will help to better manage your symptoms.

Getting Mental Health Care at Yellowbrick

If you are looking for a means to help manage symptoms of mental health conditions, there are a number of treatment options that can help, including potential psychiatric medications. Speaking to mental health specialists can help you better determine which type of treatment path is right for you. At Yellowbrick, we believe that people who are struggling with the impacts of mental health issues should have individualized treatment approaches that are best for their needs, goals for healing, and previous experience with treatments. For more information on our mental health care and how we can help, visit our website.