Mental health medication and the benefits of having your medication home delivered

There are different types of mental health medication, which can generally be grouped into categories such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, stimulants, and others.

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The benefits of having medication delivered

Non-adherence to medication is a major reason why treatments shown to be effective in trials are often less effective in clinical practice.

Medicine home delivery helps improve care by ensuring patients have their mental health medication when they need it, which increases treatment adherence and saves unnecessary trips to traditional pharmacies like Chemist Warehouse, or Priceline.

That’s why 92% of users of the Chemist2U app report that the app is a helpful tool to maintain their healthcare.

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Medically reviewed by Dr Matt Cullen
Last updated 26 June 2024

Mental health medication: important information, insights, and more

Since more people are focusing on their well-being, more information is needed about mental health medication.

However, it’s essential that you first get diagnosed and prescribed treatment by your doctor, as they can provide you with the information you need. Then, you can use this Chemist2U article for additional information on mental health medication, from functionality to drug interactions.

In this article

1. How does mental health medication work?

There are different types of mental health medication, which can generally be grouped into categories such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, stimulants, and others.[1] However, they generally work by targeting the brain’s neurotransmitters – key chemicals that facilitate communication between one brain cell and another.[2]

For instance, antidepressants like Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Cipramil (citalopram) may function by enhancing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin.[3] On the other hand, second-generation or more modern antipsychotics like Seroquel (quetiapine) are thought to function by adjusting the neurotransmitter balance in the body.[4]

With this, it’s important to note that the impact of these mental health drugs may vary for each individual. This would typically be due to factors such as body size, metabolism, and a person’s unique brain chemistry.

2. How do you take mental health medication?

Mental health medication is usually taken as part of individualised mental health treatment plans, which may incorporate brain stimulation therapy, psychotherapy, or other forms of therapy.[5] With this, adhering to the prescription, guidance, and overall psychiatric treatment of your doctor is crucial, as each person has different mental health needs.

If you’ve been diagnosed with anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, or other conditions, know that the directions for administering the appropriate mental health medication may vary based on the prescribed type. Regardless, it’s important that you follow your doctor’s recommended dose and schedule.

What’s more, avoid abruptly discontinuing the prescribed psychiatric drugs unless specifically instructed by your doctor.

3. Who can take mental health medication?

They can generally be taken by individuals who have mental health conditions once a doctor has prescribed the medication to them. However, it’s crucial to recognise that certain groups, particularly children, require careful consideration.

These younger individuals may react differently to mental health medication compared to adults, and there can be specific warnings about potential reactions in certain age ranges. There are also times when doctors may prescribe off-label medications to assist with a child’s symptoms, despite the lack of approval for that specific disorder or age.

Additionally, since children’s or other groups’ responses to medication can significantly differ from those of adults, doctors may implement treatments like therapy as the initial step, considering medication as an additional strategy if necessary.[6]

4. Side effects of mental health medication

Similar to other drugs, there are side effects for children and adults who use one or more prescribed mental health medications. This would include antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, stimulants, benzodiazepines, and α-2 agonists.

In addition, when using multiple prescribed medications or facing challenges accessing care from a doctor, it’s more common for individuals to experience increased side effects.

These can range from heightened appetite, sedation, and tics to more serious effects such as suicidal thoughts and self-harm. This is also more notable in certain drug combinations with SSRI antidepressants or antipsychotic medications.[7]

5. Mental health medication and other medications

Your doctor’s guidance is invaluable when minimising drug interaction risks, as they can strategically prescribe mental health medication and eliminate non-essential medicines to reduce interactions.

Moreover, with their assistance, medications that affect or are affected by enzymes like CYP 2D6 and 3A4 can be avoided. The same goes for those with narrow therapeutic windows, non-linear pharmacokinetics, and long half-lives, as they are more susceptible to drug interactions.

It’s essential to discuss all medications (both prescribed and over-the-counter), vitamins, and herbal supplements you’re taking with your doctor. This open line of communication about mental health medication helps avoid negative interactions between different drugs.[8]

6. Medicines you should not use with mental health medication

While severe detrimental reactions to medication combinations are typically uncommon, significant interactions that affect drug effectiveness or cause drug interactions can influence long-term results when it comes to health.[9]

Combinations warranting caution include anxiety pills like benzodiazepines and opioid painkillers. In addition, antacids can affect the absorption of some antipsychotics.[10]

Furthermore, combining antidepressants with substances that influence the serotonin system may trigger serotonin syndrome, a serious condition. This would include medication with the herb St. John’s wort or triptans, a class of drugs typically used for migraines and headaches.[11]

As such, keep in mind that you should always consult with your doctor before taking any drugs, vitamins, and supplements with your prescribed mental health medication.

7. How to order mental health medication through Chemist2U

With a mission to make medicine easy, Chemist2U simplifies your prescription process, helping you stay on top of your health and well-being. To get started, either download our user-friendly or use this website.

You can upload your prescription and then consider some of the over-the-counter items available. We have a wide range of products in our selection and you can add what you need to your cart, just as you would in a physical pharmacy.

Your order is then filled with care by a Chemist2U partner pharmacist in your area.

On top of same-day delivery for metro and major regional areas in Australia, you can also make use of our Ask a Pharmacist service. This way, you can ask general questions about mental health medication or other drugs.

Have your medication home delivered by Chemist2U today.

Same-day delivery is available with the majority of medications; simply ensure that you place your order before the cutoff time, which is typically 2.00 p.m. but may vary in some locations.

Note: A minority of products (inc. Ozempic and Mounjaro) are delivered via AusPost. Allow 5-7 business days.

References

[1] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications#part_2358

[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29893445/

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3045111/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519503/

[5] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications#part_2358

[6] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications#part_2364

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3967377/

[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4335312/

[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4335312/

[10] https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatment/Mental-Health-Medications/What-to-Avoid-with-Psychiatric-Medications

[11] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications#part_2359

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