Understanding Your Mental Health Medication: A Patient Guide

What Are These Medications?

Your doctor has prescribed a medication that belongs to one of these groups:

• SSRIs: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
• SNRIs: Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
• NDRIs: Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors

These medications help with depression, anxiety, and sometimes ADHD by balancing chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters.

 

How Do They Work?

Think of your brain as having many messengers (neurotransmitters) that carry important signals. Sometimes these messengers get cleaned up too quickly before they can deliver their message properly.

• SSRIs work by keeping more of a messenger called serotonin available. Serotonin helps
  with mood, sleep, and feeling calm.
• SNRIs keep more of two messengers available: serotonin AND norepinephrine. Norepinephrine helps with energy and focus.
• NDRIs keep more norepinephrine AND dopamine available. Dopamine helps with motivation, pleasure, and focus.

 

Common Medications

SSRIs

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Atomoxetine (Stretera)

SNRIs

• Venlafaxine (Effexor)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

NDRIs

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

 

What to Expect

Timeline

• These medications don’t work right away
• You may start to notice small improvements in 1-2 weeks
• Full benefits usually take 4-6 weeks
• Your doctor may adjust your dose during this time

Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and often go away after a few weeks as your body gets used to the medication.

Common side effects may include:

• Upset stomach or nausea
• Headache
• Feeling tired or having trouble sleeping
• Feeling a little jittery or restless
• Dry mouth

Some medications have unique side effects. Your doctor has chosen one that is best for your specific needs.

 

Tips for Taking Your Medication

When to Take

• Take your medication at the same time every day
• Most SSRIs and SNRIs are taken in the morning
• Some may make you sleepy and are better taken at night
• Follow your doctor’s specific instructions

How to Take

• Take with food if it upsets your stomach
• Swallow pills whole (don’t crush or chew unless your doctor says it’s okay)
• If you miss a dose:
  ○ Take it when you remember if it’s the same day
  ○ If it’s the next day, just take your regular dose (don’t double up)

Important Don’ts

• Don’t stop taking your medication suddenly without talking to your doctor
• Don’t skip doses – even if you feel better
• Don’t drink alcohol while taking these medications (it can make side effects worse)

 

Medication Interactions

These medications can interact with other drugs, supplements, and even some foods. Always tell your doctor about everything you take, including:

Other Prescription Medications

• Pain medications, especially tramadol and certain migraine medications
• Blood thinners
• Blood thinners

Blood thinners

• Cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine
• NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) when used regularly
• Herbal supplements, especially St. John’s Wort

Foods

• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can affect how some of these medications work
• Highly caffeinated drinks may increase side effects

 

Warning Signs to Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor right away if you experience:

• Severe headache that won’t go away
• Rash or hives
• Feeling much more anxious, restless, or irritable
• Thoughts about hurting yourself
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Confusion or extreme dizziness

 

Remember

• These medications work best when combined with therapy
• Keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor
• Be patient – finding the right medication and dose can take time
• Be patient – finding the right medication and dose can take time

 

Questions?

If you have any questions about your medication, please call our office at [ 1-620-960-6668 ].

This handout provides general information and is not a replacement for medical advice from your doctor.