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Generic Medications
What Are Generic Medications? Does The FDA Monitor The Safety Of Generic Medication? The FDA monitors for safety, quality, and to make sure the medication is working the way it should be. The FDA makes sure generic medications are created under the same rules as the brand name.1 Is There A Generic Version Of My […] -
Glitchy Genes and Psychiatry: The Impact of DNA On Medication Therapy
Fast Facts What Is Genetic Testing? A genetic test is a blood or saliva test that your health care provider can order to better understand how your body works. Genetic testing typically involves looking at specific genes in the body, including those that may impact how medications work.1 Genes are the instruction manuals for the body, […] -
Long-Acting Injectables (LAIs)
What is a long-acting injectible (LAI)? Long-acting injectables (LAIs) are Injectable medications used for individuals living with mental illness.1, 2 LAIs are usually the same medication that is taken in pill form but when injected they allow for the slow release of medication into the blood over a longer period of time.1,2 LAIs include: Abilify […] -
Maternal Mental Health
What Is Maternal Mental Health? Maternal mental health, also known as perinatal mental health, refers to a mother’s overall emotional, social, and mental well-being, both during and after pregnancy. Hormone changes that occur during pregnancy often affect mood, but there can be more serious mental health issues that may arise during and after pregnancy that […] -
Medication Adherence
Fast Facts: Being adherent means following directions or sticking to a plan. It includes refilling your prescriptions on time and following the directions on your prescription bottle. If you take your medications the way that your doctor or pharmacist explained, then you are being adherent. Medication adherence is important to ensure that medications work correctly, […] -
Medication-Induced Sexual Dysfunction
Medication-induced sexual dysfunction occurs when there is a problem that leads to frustration with sexual activity or performance. Symptoms of sexual dysfunction for males may include: Symptoms of sexual dysfunction for females may include: Common Causes Medication1-3 What Can Be Done? Prevention4,5 To prevent sexual dysfunction from occurring, you can: Possible Medication-Related Options4,5 Medication-induced sexual dysfunction side effects are […] -
Metabolic Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications
Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that can increase a person’s risk of having a stroke, heart disease (including having a heart attack), and diabetes. The risk factors for metabolic syndrome include: Approximately 1 out of 3 Americans currently meet criteria for metabolic syndrome. It is becoming more common as the rates of […] -
Off-Label Usage of Medications
What Are FDA-Approved Medications? The United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating both prescription and non-prescription medications. One of their roles in regulation is to ensure that medications are safe and effective. This is done through the FDA approval process. What Is Off-Label Medication Use? This means the medication is used […] -
Pharmacogenomic Testing
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 […] -
Risks of Benzodiazepines
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 […]
