Ask the right questions to be well-informed about your medications.
Starting a new psych medication can feel like entering uncharted territory. It’s completely normal to have questions—whether you’re curious, cautious, or somewhere in between. Talking with your psychiatric provider is an important step to ensure you understand the medication, what to expect, and how to navigate potential challenges.
Here’s a list of helpful questions to bring to your next appointment. Think of it as your medication Q&A cheat sheet. The more informed you are, the more empowered you’ll feel to make decisions that work for you.
Understanding the Medication
- What is your thought process behind recommending this medication?
- How does this medication work in the body?
- Are there other options available? What made you choose this medication over others?
- Are there non-medication alternatives I could consider? (e.g., therapy, lifestyle changes, etc.)
Dosing
- What’s the starting dose, and how often should I take it?
- Will the dose need adjusting over time?
- When is the best time to take it—morning, evening, with food, or on an empty stomach?
Expectations
- What specific symptoms is this medication expected to help with?
- What would success with this medication look like?
- How long does it typically take before I notice improvements?
- What are the next steps if this medication doesn’t help?
Side Effects
- What are the most common side effects?
- Are there any rare but serious side effects I should know about?
- How do you weigh the costs and benefits of this medication, especially considering side effects and my current symptoms?
- How should I manage side effects if they occur?
- When and how should I report side effects?
- What should I do if I notice significant emotional or behavioral changes?
Safety Considerations
- Is this medication safe to take with my current medications, supplements, or over-the-counter products?
- Are there any foods, drinks, or activities I should avoid while taking it?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Is it safe to stop this medication suddenly, or will I need to taper off?
- Do I need to prepare for emergencies? (e.g., carry a medical bracelet or card to prevent errors if I need urgent care?)
- Having more medication in my house makes me feel unsafe. How can we address that?
Long-Term Considerations
- How long might I need to stay on this medication?
- How will we monitor when it’s time to taper off?
- Is it safe to take this medication long-term?
- If I choose to stop taking it, what would that process look like?
Monitoring Progress
- How will we know if the medication is working?
- What should I track to monitor progress? (e.g., mood, sleep, appetite, side effects).
- How often will we follow up to assess its effectiveness and make adjustments?
Practical Considerations
- What does this medication cost? Are there generic options?
- Does it require prior authorization from my insurance?
- Are there assistance programs if I can’t afford it?
- How will this medication change be communicated to my other providers (like my primary care doctor or therapist)?
Lifestyle and Bandwidth
- Are there specific routines or tips to make it easier to incorporate this medication into my life?
- What should I do if taking this medication becomes overwhelming or disrupts my routine?
- How can I streamline managing this medication along with my others?
Collaboration
- What’s the best way to contact you if I have questions between appointments?
- How can we adjust the plan if this medication isn’t helping or if side effects become too challenging?
Acknowledging Concerns or Fears
It’s okay to feel nervous about starting a new medication. Share your concerns openly—your provider is there to help.
- I’m nervous about taking medication—can you talk about it some more with me?
- What are the risks if I don’t take this medication?
Final Thoughts
Starting a new medication is a big decision, and asking questions is such an important part of the process. Remember, you are working together with your provider to come up with an option that works best for you and your needs and values. Try to be as open and honest as possible, and don’t be afraid to take up space - you are important and deserve to have your questions and concerns addressed.
There’s no such thing as a “bad” question when it comes to your health. So, grab this list, add anything specific to your situation, and head into your next appointment feeling informed and empowered.
