Psychotropic Medication: Is it Right For You? 

By Spencer Goldy

Psychotropic Medication: Is it Right For You? 

Psychotropic Medication: Is it Right For You? 

Taking medication for mental health struggles can be confusing and scary but can also be an incredible tool both in the short and long term success of treatment. There are common concerns that come up with this topic that will be reviewed in this post including background about the different types of psychotropic medications, how they can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy, who can prescribe them, and how to approach concerns you may have with a provider. Whether you are someone who is taking medication now and have questions or are considering starting this form of treatment - know that any and all treatment should always be a balance of effectively treating the condition while also honoring your concerns and needs to optimize/maintain your quality of life. 

What Are They And What Do They Do? 

Medications meant for support with mental health are primarily designed to work with what are called neurotransmitters. These are simply the chemical compounds produced in the brain to create the feelings and perceptions associated with human life. Psychotropic medications are meant to influence the production of these neurotransmitters towards an accepted level, whatever that may be for each person. The most important part of using psychotropic medications is communication with the prescriber to discuss your specific situation. To start, you will most likely discuss your symptoms to decide on what type of medication is needed.

Types of Medication

Anti-Anxiety - Medications in this category are meant to induce a calmer state in the person and in higher doses can be used to support sleep. They primarily act to reduce nervous system activity so that the symptoms of anxiety are reduced. One common term for them you may come across are benzodiazepines. They can often be prescribed both in the medium to long term as a daily pill or on an “as needed” basis for those who are weary of having to take medication every day (and if appropriate of course).

Anti-Depressents - In this category you will find medications designed to reduce symptoms of - you guessed it - depression. Somewhat unique to anti-depressant medication is the inclusion of multiple classes which vary in their mechanisms of action on the brain providing more opportunity for tailoring of treatment. A common medication family in this category is the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) which is meant to increase serotonin in the brain to improve mood. An important note for this class is that the medications commonly require weeks to months to produce the desired effect. This makes it more difficult to maintain adherence because often people do not feel immediate relief and assume the drug does not work for them. 

Anti-Psychotics - Options for treating psychosis are similarly diverse in compounds as seen in anti-depressants but act to produce parallel anti-anxiety or calming effects to reduce symptoms associated with schizophrenia, mania, or delirium such as unnecessary agitation/violent behavior or delusions. Further benefit can be seen when using these medications in tandem with anti-depressants to ease psychosis related depression. 

Mood Stabilizers - These medications can often bring up negative associations due to the primary option in years past - Lithium - having a somewhat difficult history. Ultimately, the use of Lithium in the treatment of symptoms associated with the Bipolar disorders has been proven effective and safe when properly administered and controlled over the treatment period. Similar to anti-depressants, Lithium and other mood stabilizers can take a longer time to reach peak effect from a few months to upwards of a year. Other medications to support mood stabilization are gaining popularity giving further options for treatment. 

Stimulants - Compounds in this area are meant for supporting concentration and can also induce a type of calmed state. Most commonly these are used to treat conditions and symptoms similar to those seen in ADHD because it supports focus and overcoming motivational barriers to complete tasks while reducing hyperactivity.

Window of Tolerance

The reasons for use of medications for mental health can vary widely. For some, there is a neurochemical imbalance that necessitates medicinal support to make adjustments to the amount of certain compounds as mentioned above. However, for others it can also be a temporary supplement to psychotherapy as it can return someone to inside their ‘window of tolerance’. In essence, the window of tolerance is the mental state in which day-to-day or acute stress is manageable. When below the window of tolerance the individual experiences depressive symptoms that cause functional impairment. When above, they experience anxious/manic symptoms. When outside that window, certain psychotherapies can be less effective. In that case medications can help bring us back into that manageable window where long-term psychotherapy skills can be built. The most effective form of treatment of mental health is considered to be medication and psychotherapy when used together appropriately.

Side Effects

Having changes to your physical or mental condition as the result of taking psychotropic medications is an important consideration when going through treatment. There may be side effects that are noticeable but manageable; in which case continuing the treatment course is likely best. However, if there are side effects that are causing significant challenges then discussing with your provider options for switching to another type or dose can make a world of difference. Some common side effects can include unplanned changes in mood, sleep, and weight but; side effects are specific to each medication and should be discussed and planned for prior to any treatment. 

Who Can Prescribe it?

Understanding who to go to for mental health medication can be confusing. There are three main areas of mental health providers: Psychotherapy, Psychology, and Psychiatry. Psychotherapists are associated with talk therapy, psychologists with diagnostic assessment, and psychiatrists with medication management. Below are the common titles of providers who would be in that third category i.e., those who can prescribe psychotropic meditations along with their credentials that you can look for to confirm if they are the right type of clinician.

Doctorate of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

  • Psychiatrists
  • Primary Care Physicians 
Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Nursing With Specialization in Psychiatry 
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP)
  • Family Nurse Practitioners
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) 
  • Psychiatric Pharmacists

Tips When Meeting with a Provider

Misinformation is unfortunately a regular occurrence with these types of medications because of the nature of when, how, and with whom they are used. The best source of information will be the provider who can tailor responses and make collaborative decisions with you and for your specific situation. Here are some questions you can ask your provider if you are thinking about starting or are currently taking such medications. 

  • Can you help me understand the decision for taking this particular medication/dose? 
  • Are there any considerations I should be aware of for when and how to take the medication? 
  • If this medication does not work, are there other options that may be suitable for my situation? 
  • What are the common side effects associated with this medication and what would be best for me to look out for in terms of physical or psychological changes? 
  • If I do experience side effects how can I contact you to discuss next steps or can we make a plan to slowly get off of the medication if needed? 
  • Are there any educational resources you can provide for me to learn more about this medication?  

Finding Help Through Medication

When considering medications for mental health treatment it is important to be informed about what, how, and when you are taking them. By being diligent about finding a qualified prescriber who you are comfortable enough to discuss your needs with and, by knowing a little more about the types of medications, the concept of the window of tolerance, and learning some of the specific questions you can ask; hopefully you feel a bit more confident in pursuing the best support for your needs through both medication and talk therapy. 

At RAFT Counseling, we hope to be a part of your support system whether that be in conjunction with medication or as a place to further work through your thoughts, fears, or questions about connecting with a psychotropic medication prescriber. If you or a loved one needs that support simply visit our website or contact us to get connected with our team to help you on your mental health journey.

Further Resources 

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