Psychiatric Medication Side Effects Respond to Management Strategies
With the world’s seemingly unending stressful events, such as money issues, family problems, random violence in the news, many people can develop a mental health issue. Whether or not the problem is short-lived or becomes chronic, both respond to psychiatric medications that when properly managed lead to the successful treatment of life-disrupting mental illness.
Psychiatric Medications Critical Part of Treatment Plan
Psychiatric medications are often a critical element in the development of a successful mental health treatment plan. The National Institute of Mental Health separates psychiatric medications into six main groups which include medications used to treat ADHD, anxiety disorders, clinical depression, bi-polar disorder, mood disorders, or medications used as a sedative. A qualified psychiatrist carefully diagnoses and prescribes after a thorough evaluation and history taking.
Top Five Psychiatric Medications Prescribed
Psych Central reports that the top ranking medication from 2005 forward to today is Xanax / alprazolam used for anxiety, with almost 48 million U.S. prescriptions written on an annual basis. The other four psychiatric medications range from almost 24 million U.S. prescriptions a year to well over 37 million.
The 2nd ranked medication includes Zoloft/sertraline for anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and depression; 3rd, the drug Ativan for panic disorder and anxiety; 4th, Prozac/fluoxetine for anxiety and depression; and 5th, Celexa/citalopram for anxiety and depression. The variety of psychiatric medications used for ADHD rank all the way from 15th to 25th with yearly U.S. prescriptions totaling up to more than 35 million a year.
Common Psychiatric Medication Side-Effects
Psychiatric medication side effects vary from one person to the next. There are numerous factors that change how your body will react to any one or a combination of medications. The four main psychiatric medication side effects are:
- Weight gain
- Sexual issues or dysfunction
- Restlessness, hyperactivity, irritability or agitation
- Tiredness, drowsiness, memory deficits or clouded thinking
Other significant side effects which may require more immediate psychiatrist medication adjustment and management include:
- Diarrhea or GI upset such as nausea and vomiting
- Impaired coordination and control of body’s extremities
- Insomnia
- Blurred vision
- Cardio-pulmonary issues
- Drop in blood pressure with feelings of dizziness or syncope
- Black outs or feeling like you are in a trance or stupor
- Becoming despondent or having feelings of great sadness and despair
- Any change in your emotional or physical state that may be due to psychiatric medication side effect which is causing you emotional stress.
Atlanta Psychiatrist, Expert in Managing Medication Side Effects
If you are currently taking psychiatric medications and are experiencing side effects that have negatively impacted family, social relationships or work related interactions, it is time for a change – call Atlanta’s expert in managing and adjusting psychiatric medications.
Dr. Darvin Hege, M.D. Atlanta’s psychiatric medication side-effects doctor is ready to help you make the change for the better – call to set up an appointment today.