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What Is Pharmacogenomics? Pharmacogenomics is the study of how a person’s genetics may impact medication outcomes like symptom improvement, common side effects, or rare hypersensitivity reactions. It can provide you and your provider with additional information that may be helpful in developing your optimal treatment plan. What Is Pharmacogenomic Testing? A pharmacogenomic test is an […]

Fast Facts What Are Benzodiazepines (BZDs)? Benzodiazepines are medications that lower the activity of the nerves in the brain and cause you to be drowsy.¹ How Do They Work? Benzodiazepines work by boosting the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.¹ GABA is a chemical that reduces electrical activity in the brain.¹ What Are […]

What Are Psychiatric Medications? Psychiatric medications treat mental disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar, or schizophrenia. With the help of medication, people with mental illness are able to avoid symptoms that interfere with daily life. How Are Medications Used To Treat Mental Health Disorders? Medications treat the symptoms of mental illness but are not a cure. […]

Remember: Always talk to a health care provider before stopping a medication. If someone has a bad reaction or thinks their medication is not working, they should tell their provider. A health care provider can advise about when it is safe to stop taking a medication. When Should A Medication Be Stopped? There are many […]

Crisis Resources For Suicide Prevention What Medications Have Suicide Warnings? What Are Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors? How Did The FDA Develop These Warnings? The FDA reviews clinical trials to see if people who received certain medications had more suicidal thoughts and behaviors than those who received placebo (sugar-pills). For antidepressants, the risk for suicidal thoughts […]

What is tardive dyskinesia? Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder that causes a range of repetitive muscle movements in the face, neck, arms, and legs. TD symptoms are beyond a person’s control. These symptoms can make routine physical functioning difficult, significantly affecting quality of life. Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia can include: TD primarily occurs […]

What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression? Treatment-resistant depression means different things to different people. Most often, it means a person has tried two or more antidepressants for several months each and still has depressive symptoms.1 Some common antidepressants are: Zoloft®, Celexa®, Lexapro®, Prozac®, Cymbalta®, Effexor®. Why do some people have treatment-resistant depression? 2,3 What Medication Changes Can […]

Some people are afraid that taking a medication will change their personality, but most find that medication allows them to take charge of their lives. Medications for mental health conditions fall into the following major categories: Antipsychotics Antipsychotics developed in the mid-20th century are often referred to as first-generation or typical antipsychotics, while antipsychotics developed more […]

Psychiatric medications work to influence mood and thoughts by balancing chemicals in the brain. Like all medications, there is potential for interactions with foods, prescribed medications, and over the counter medications. This can lead to changes in these brain chemicals. A few of these interactions are discussed below because they may negatively impact mental health […]

Fast Facts Antidepressants Antidepressant medications are used to help with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Symptoms of depression can be sad mood, hopelessness, guilt, and low energy.1 Symptoms of anxiety can be worries that are hard to control, feeling on edge, and poor concentration.2 When will the medication work?1,2,3 What are the common side effects?1,4 […]