Maybe your medication isn't helping enough, or the side effects are hard to live with. Wanting a change is common, and it's a reasonable thing to bring up. The important part is how the change is made.
Don't stop on your own
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says people should not stop taking a medication without a provider's help, even if they are feeling better. It also says that stopping a medication too soon may cause unpleasant or harmful side effects.
How providers make changes
A provider can adjust your treatment and reduce a dose gradually. Your provider will decide the safest way to make a change based on your medication, your health and how you are doing. Moving from one medication to another may mean lowering one while another is started, sometimes called a cross-taper. It isn't one-size-fits-all, so please don't try to plan it yourself.
Give it time
Some mental health medications can take several weeks to start working, so a new one may need time before you can judge it. Keep your follow-up visits, and call your provider right away if you have problems with your medication.
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In-person in West Ashley or telehealth statewide across South Carolina.
What to tell your provider
- What is and isn't helping
- Any side effects, and when they started
- Everything else you take, including vitamins, over-the-counter products and supplements
- What you would most like to change
Getting help at Hope Behavioral Medicine
We offer medication management in West Ashley and by secure video anywhere in South Carolina. Your first visit is a comprehensive evaluation. Request an appointment.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.
Source: NIMH, Mental Health Medications.
This article is general information, not medical advice, and does not create a patient–provider relationship. Every situation is different, so see a provider who can evaluate yours and develop a plan of care. Any medication discussed here may not be right for you: the right choice depends on your diagnoses, other health conditions and current medicines, so take medication only as directed by the provider managing your care. If you are ever in doubt about an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Frequently Asked Questions
NIMH says not to stop without a provider's help, even if you are feeling better. Stopping too soon may cause unpleasant or harmful side effects.
It is one way of moving between medications: lowering one while another is started. Your provider decides whether it is right for you and how to do it.
What is and isn't helping, any side effects and when they started, everything else you take, and what you would most like to change.