Deciding whether to start a psychiatric medication, such as an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), can feel like a big step, especially if you do not know much about how these medications work. At WellPower, we want people to have clear, honest information before they begin treatment. Medication can be an important part of recovery, but it is not the only option. It is one tool that may help reduce symptoms so therapy, support services and daily coping skills can work better.
We spoke with Daralyn Morgenson, PharmD, BCPP, clinical pharmacist at WellPower, about what you need to know if you’re considering starting medication for mental health.
What to keep in mind before starting medication
Before starting any mental health medication, talk with a licensed provider about your symptoms, your health history and your goals for treatment. An SSRI is often prescribed for depression and some anxiety disorders because it generally has fewer side effects than older antidepressants, such as tricyclics, which impact multiple neurotransmitters and receptors. However, that does necessarily not mean it is the right choice for everyone. Start with the question, “What am I hoping will get better?” You may want relief from panic attacks, constant worry, low mood, trouble sleeping or a loss of energy. Naming the problem helps your provider choose the treatment that best fits your needs.
It is also important to ask practical questions before you begin, such as:
- What is this medication supposed to do?
- Why is it a good fit for my symptoms?
- How long might it take before I notice a change?
- What side effects should I watch for?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Are there foods, supplements, alcohol or other medications I should avoid?
These questions help set realistic expectations. Many antidepressants take several weeks to fully show their effect, and early improvements may happen in sleep, appetite, energy or concentration before mood lifts.
“Mental health medications often take weeks to begin working, so don’t feel discouraged if you don’t notice anything right away,” said Dr. Morgenson. “It’s really important to take your medication every day as your provider instructs so that it can begin to work as intended.”
Medication works best when it is part of a broader plan. For many people, psychotherapy, peer support, case management, sleep habits, movement and recovery-focused routines still matter just as much as the prescription itself. Medication may help reduce symptoms so you can engage more fully in those supports. It is also important not to stop a psychiatric medication suddenly unless a prescriber tells you to do so.
How do mental health medications work?
“Everyone needs help sometimes,” said Dr. Morgenson. “Mental health medications are tools that can help improve your symptoms and reach your goals, especially when combined with other behavioral health services.”
Mental health medications affect brain systems involved in mood, attention, sleep, stress response and thinking. Some medications change how certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine or dopamine, are used in the brain. SSRIs, for example, help make more serotonin available between nerve cells by slowing the process that reabsorbs it. That is why they are commonly used for depression and anxiety. Other medications may target different brain pathways and are used for conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD or severe anxiety.
It helps to think of psychiatric medications as symptom-management tools, not personality changers. The goal is to reduce the symptoms that are getting in the way of daily life, relationships and well-being. For many people, the right medication can make it easier to function and use the coping skills they are learning in therapy. Some medications work quickly, but many do not. Antidepressants often take four to eight weeks to reach their full effect, which is why close follow-up early on is important.
“If you find that a medication is changing your mood in ways we don’t expect, it’s important to reach out to your provider or pharmacist,” said Dr. Morgenson. “Every body is different, and medications can work differently depending on things like age, genetics or how our bodies break down medications.”
What are the side effects of mental health medications?
Side effects are not the same for all people. One person may have none while another has nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, sleepiness, dry mouth, appetite changes or sexual side effects. Some side effects are more likely in the first days or weeks and improve as the body adjusts. Others may continue and signal that the dose needs to change or a different medication may be a better fit.
“If someone is experiencing side effects of a medication several weeks after beginning to take it, that’s when we start to look at whether the medication is the right one for them or being provided at the right dosage,” said Dr. Morgenson. “It’s important to keep in communication with your provider or pharmacist about how you’re reacting to medication.”
People process medications differently. Age, genetics, hormone changes, liver function, other health conditions, other prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements can all affect how a drug behaves in the body. Family history can matter, too. If a close relative responded well or poorly to a particular medication, that can give providers useful clues.
For the same reasons, a medication that works well for one person may not work well for another. Mental health conditions can look similar on the surface but still involve different underlying patterns, co-occurring conditions or life stressors. Two drugs in the same class can also behave differently in the body, which is why trying a different SSRI may help even if the first one did not.
How can I start a medication safely?
If you are starting a psychiatric medication, bring a full list of what you already take to your appointment. That includes prescriptions, vitamins, supplements, sleep aids and over-the-counter medicines.
“Drug interactions can happen, so it’s important for your provider and pharmacist to know what you already take,” said Dr. Morgenson. “That way, we can prevent any dangerous interactions from happening.”
Ask your provider and pharmacist how to take the medication, what side effects are common, what side effects need urgent attention and when you should check back in. It is also smart to ask what improvement should look like. Sometimes success is better sleep, more energy or enough relief to return to therapy and daily routines.
Take the medication exactly as prescribed and do not double up unless your provider tells you to. If you miss a dose, follow the instructions you were given. Keep follow-up appointments, especially in the first several weeks. Those visits help your care team check whether the medication is helping and whether an adjustment is needed. If something feels off, speak up. Good medication care depends on communication.
How WellPower helps people find the right fit
At WellPower, medication decisions are part of the person-centered care we are known for. We work with the people we serve to understand their symptoms, treatment history and goals. Medication support can be combined with therapy, recovery planning and other services based on each person’s needs. That matters because there is no one-size-fits-all answer in mental health care, and the best decisions usually come from ongoing conversation, careful monitoring and a willingness to adjust the plan when needed.
Our pharmacy team helps reduce barriers that can make treatment harder to start or maintain. WellPower operates nonprofit pharmacies in Denver that are open to the public as well as the people we serve. Pharmacists are available in a confidential setting where people can ask questions about how to take a medication, what side effects to expect, how to coordinate refills and how to manage other health concerns that may affect treatment. Our team also helps people find affordable options and maintain uninterrupted routines. At WellPower, we believe people deserve more than a prescription. They deserve guidance, follow-up and care that treats them like a whole person.
Starting psychiatric medication can bring up a lot of questions. That is normal. The most important thing to know is that you do not have to figure it out alone. When medication is chosen thoughtfully, monitored closely and paired with the right supports, it can be a meaningful part of recovery. If you are considering medication for depression, anxiety or another mental health challenge, start with a conversation and stay connected to your care team.
Our team of clinicians and pharmacists can support you in finding the right medication for you. To get started with services, give us a call at (303) 504-7900 or visit wellpower.org/appointment to learn more.
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