Our new psychiatric medication A-Z
Our Senior Editorial Officer Tom Bishop blogs about our medication info.
- We want to be fully informed about the possible advantages and disadvantages of any medication you are prescribed, whether it's antidepressants, antipsychotics, sleeping pills or mood-stabilisers.
- Take a look at our brand new A-Z of medication, for information on side-effects, what they are used for. possible interactions with other drugs and more.
Did you know, that all of Mind’s information resources are produced with the close involvement of people with everyday experience of the topic we’re writing about?
In addition to giving you clear facts, it is vital we reflect the real-life experience of the mental health issue we’re discussing, whether that’s depression, stress, anxiety or any of the dozens of topics we cover.
This is because everyone’s experience of mental health and treatment is unique, especially when it comes to medication.
Many people find psychiatric medication useful, either on its own or alongside other treatment such as talking therapy, but it’s not suitable for everyone.
If we are on meds, our treatment regimes are likely to vary. No two people will experience medication in the same way.
That's why we have been working for just over 2 years to update and expand Mind’s information on psychiatric medication ,to help you easily find the relevant in-depth information you need.
"It took several trials of different medications at different strengths before the right combination worked for me."
- Mind reviewer
Our new A-Zs
Our general medication resource pages introduce the different types of meds, things to consider before taking them and your right to refuse medication, plus advice on coping with any side effects.
For the first time we also have a full A-Z of psychiatric medication, with listings for every:
...available on prescription in the UK.
"I have been on a number of medications and found that my symptoms got much worse on some, but better with others."
- Mind reviewer
Each comprehensive listing includes keys facts about each drug, things to consider before taking it, known interactions with other drugs, potential side effects and advice on withdrawal.
If you’ve not seen one of these listings before, it’s definitely worth taking a look. Here’s our listing for the antidepressant fluoxetine to give you an idea of the range of information now available from Mind.
We’ve also made it easier to compare different medications, either by checking each listing or heading over to our dedicated antidepressants, antipsychotics or sleeping pills pages.
"My current doctor is great, and has always said that it is up to me if I take the medication or not, which makes me feel a lot better about it as I feel more in control."
- Mind reviewer
Coming off
Our volunteers and reviewers told us that that making the decision of whether or not to come off medication is one of the biggest treatment dilemmas you face.
With that in mind, we’ve also updated our coming off section. This explains the issues you may face when coming off medication, how to approach it and techniques for gradual reduction. It also spells out possible withdrawal symptoms and how to tell the difference between withdrawal and relapse.
Supporting someone else
Like all Mind’s resources, it also contains advice for friends and family members who are supporting someone who is trying to come off medication.
We hope all of this information will continue to empower you when making decisions about your own mental health. Please keep using the feedback buttons on each page to tell us whether or not you find them useful.
See our new A-Z or look at our info on coming off psychiatric medication.
Information and support
When you’re living with a mental health problem, or supporting someone who is, having access to the right information - about a condition, treatment options, or practical issues - is vital. Visit our information pages to find out more.
Share your story with others
Blogs and stories can show that people with mental health problems are cared about, understood and listened to. We can use it to challenge the status quo and change attitudes.
