Medication Frequently Asked Questions

• A friend of mine told me it’s best to get all my prescriptions at one pharmacy instead of two or three. Is this true?
• Can I drink alcohol while taking antidepressants?
• How can I learn more about my medication’s dosage and side effects?
• I am having trouble remembering to take my medications. Is there anything I can do to help me remember?
• I forgot to get new prescriptions the last time I went to my doctor and I am out of refills on my old prescriptions. Now it's Saturday and I can't reach my doctor's office to call in new prescriptions for me? What should I do?
• I have been taking my antidepressant medication for a while now. I feel great. All of my symptoms seem to be gone. Is it okay for me to stop taking my medication?
• I have heard that there may be negative effects associated with stopping antidepressants. Is this true?
• I have recently started a new drug. I have been having trouble sitting still and must constantly be moving. Could this be a side effect of my new medication?
• I heard that medication can cause sexual side effects. Are these effects permanent? Should I stop taking my medicine?
• I occasionally see what looks like medicine in the stool. Should I be concerned that I am not getting the whole dose of medication since the tablet is not dissolving?
• I recently heard that one of my medications can cause a side effect called tardive dyskinesia and it can become permanent. What is this?
• I was recently prescribed an antidepressant. The information sheet from the pharmacy said the medication may increase suicidal thoughts. Is this true?
• I was told by my doctor that I need to take the medication for the rest of my life. Is it absolutely true that I will have to take the medication for the rest of my life?
• I would like to have children. However, I am worried about stopping my antidepressant. Do you have any advice?
• My doctor recently started me on an antidepressant medication. A friend of mine had been on the same medication and told me that it caused her to gain weight. I really do not want to gain any weight, and I want to stop taking the medication. What should I do?
• My doctor recently started me on lithium and told me there are lots of drug interactions with this medication. My pharmacist is very good at telling me about interactions with prescription medications but how do I know which non-prescription or over-the-counter medications to avoid?
• My psychiatrist recently gave me a prescription for a new medication. When I went to my pharmacy the pharmacist said it would cost over $300 a month. There is no way I can afford that. What can I do?
• My son has bipolar disorder and is mostly depressed. He did not tolerate Lamictal (lamotrigine) or Seroquel (quetiapine). What are some other options for treatment?
• Part of my mental illness makes me hear voices. I started to take an antipsychotic to help with my symptoms. The medication helps, but sometimes I still hear the voices. Does this mean the medication is not working anymore?
• Someone I really care about has mental illness but repeatedly stops taking his medication and his symptoms come back. Sometimes my friend has to be hospitalized. How can I help him?
• What are the long-term effects of taking medication for mental illness? Will the medicine damage my brain, liver, kidney or other organs?
• What does it take to get a medication to the American public?
• What is the best plan for getting rid of old or leftover medications (ones that are not prescribed for me)?
• Where can I turn to get help paying for my medication?
• Why do psychiatric medications cost so much?
• Will I become addicted to the medication?