Why is it worth asking these questions?
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says people respond to medications in different ways, and that it may take several tries to find what works with the fewest side effects. It also says to make sure you understand how to take a medication before you start. Good questions help you and your prescriber catch problems early and adjust the plan together.
You do not have to ask all of these at once. Pick the ones that matter most to you, write them down, and bring your full list of medications, including over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements and herbal products. It is also fine to ask a question twice.
Why this medication, and what are the other options?
- What is this medication for, and which of my symptoms should it help?
- Why this one rather than another type?
- What other options are there, including therapy or daily habits?
- What are the likely benefits and risks of waiting or not taking it?
- How does it fit with my other health conditions?
- I am pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding. Does that change anything?
How long until I can tell whether it is working?
Ask what change to watch for first and when you will review it together. Timing differs by type of medication, and a person's experience can differ from the averages. NIMH gives these general time frames for two groups of medications. For any other medication, ask your prescriber.
| Type of medication | What NIMH says about timing |
|---|---|
| Antidepressants | Usually 4 to 8 weeks to work. Problems with sleep, appetite, energy and concentration often improve before mood lifts. |
| Antipsychotic medications | Agitation and hallucinations typically go away within days and delusions usually within a few weeks, but full effects may take up to 6 weeks. |
What should I ask about side effects?
All medications can have side effects, and the NHS notes that many ease after a couple of weeks while some can continue. NIMH says some medications need regular monitoring. Examples include weight, glucose and lipid checks for atypical antipsychotics, and level, kidney and thyroid checks for certain mood stabilizers. Questions about labs and how they work at our clinic are good ones to ask us.
- What are the most common side effects, and which tend to fade?
- Which ones should I call you about?
- Could this affect my sleep, weight, sex life or driving?
- Is there anything that helps, such as taking it at a different time or with food?
- Will I need blood tests or other monitoring, and how often?
What should I ask about interactions?
MedlinePlus explains that an interaction is when one medicine affects how another works, and that medicines can also interact with alcohol and some foods. The risk is higher if more than one provider prescribes for you, because one may not know what another has given you. Some combinations matter a great deal: NIMH warns that antidepressants combined with certain products that act on serotonin, including St. John's wort, can cause a rare but life-threatening illness.
- Does this interact with anything on my list, including supplements?
- Can I drink alcohol while taking it?
- Are there foods or over-the-counter products I should avoid?
- Who else needs to know that I am taking this?
What happens if I miss a dose or want to stop?
Ask this at the start, not when you are already frustrated. NIMH says not to stop a prescribed medication without help from a health care provider, even if you feel better, because stopping too soon may cause unpleasant or harmful side effects. MedlinePlus says stopping an antidepressant suddenly can bring withdrawal symptoms that may feel like the flu, or cause sleep problems, dizziness, headache, anxiety or irritability.
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- How long might I need to take this?
- If I want to stop, what is the safe way to lower it, and how long would that take?
- What would withdrawal feel like, and how would I tell it apart from symptoms returning?
- What should I do if I run low before my next visit?
What should I report right away?
NIMH says to call a health care provider right away if you have problems with a medication or worry it might be doing more harm than good. Ask your prescriber what applies to your medication. The sources behind this guide name these examples:
Do not wait on these
- New or worse thoughts of suicide or self-harm. NIMH notes that children, teenagers and young adults under 25 may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior on antidepressants, especially in the first few weeks or when the dose changes, and that people of all ages should be watched closely. If you or someone else is in danger, call or text 988 or call 911 now rather than waiting to reach your prescriber.
- Agitation, muscle twitches, hallucinations, high temperature or unusual blood pressure changes. NIMH lists these as symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
- Needing far less sleep while feeling wired, unusually up or very irritable. NIMH says antidepressants alone can trigger a manic episode or rapid cycling in a person with bipolar disorder.
- Any symptom that feels severe or frightening. For an emergency, call 911 rather than leaving a message.
How do these conversations work at this clinic?
At our Sugar Land office or by secure video if you are physically in Texas, Idaho, Arizona or Maryland, your visits are with the same provider, Victor Onodjacha, MSN, PMHNP-BC. A first visit is about 60 minutes and follow-ups are about 30, so bring your top few questions. Our medication management page explains follow-up care. For details on refills and labs, ask us.
Medication is decided after an evaluation and is never a given. Not every medication can be prescribed at every kind of visit, some may require an in-person appointment, and we explain what applies to you. Our depression page covers treatment choices more broadly, and our guide to medication, therapy or both can help if you are still deciding. You can request an appointment and see coverage details on our insurance page.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 if there is immediate danger. DanShalom Behavioral Clinic is not an emergency service, and our crisis resources page lists more options.
Questions patients ask
Is it rude to ask why a prescriber chose a certain medication?
Not at all. Understanding the reason helps you know what to watch for and helps you stick with a plan. NIMH encourages people to talk with a provider about what to expect and possible side effects. If you feel unsure about a suggestion, say so and ask what else could be considered.
What if I feel better and think I no longer need it?
That is a good thing to bring up, but keep taking it as prescribed until you have talked. MedlinePlus points out that the medicine may be part of why you feel better. Your prescriber can go over the benefits of staying on it, the risks of stopping now, and how to lower it slowly if you both decide to stop.
Where can I read reliable information between visits?
NIMH points people to U.S. Food and Drug Administration Medication Guides for the latest information and warnings, and to MedlinePlus for details on drugs, herbs and supplements, including side effects. The leaflet from your pharmacy is also useful. If what you read worries you, call your prescriber instead of changing how you take the medication.
Can I take a medication that helped a family member?
NIMH says not to take medications prescribed for another person or give yours to anyone else. You can still tell your prescriber what helped a close relative, so it can be weighed as part of your history. Your own health conditions and other medications still have to be part of the decision, which is why a prescription is written for one person.
What should I do if a side effect is hard to live with?
Call your prescriber instead of stopping on your own. The NHS says to talk with your doctor if side effects are hard to manage, and MedlinePlus suggests that changing the time of day you take a medicine, or how you take it with food, may be options. Note what happens and when, so you can describe it clearly.
References
Reviewed by Victor Onodjacha, MSN, PMHNP-BC, . This page is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.