Anyone can develop a mental illness-you, a family member, a friend, or a neighbor. Some disorders are mild; others are serious and long-lasting. These conditions can be diagnosed and treated. Most people can live better lives after treatment. Psychotherapeutic medications are an increasingly important element. Psychiatric medications are powerful drugs and their use in any particular case must be carefully considered. I know that most people are reluctant to take these medications. They are afraid of feeling "drugged, dopey, sleepy or mentally dulled". Many of the drugs have unwanted and serious side effects and, for example, may cause weight gain or sexual side effects. No one wants to trade onset of problems for another.   For most patients, psychiatric mediations are both helpful and safe and should be considered, but the patient has the final word when it comes to any medications. My job is to make medication recommendations and review each drugs benefits, risks and side effects as well as any treatment alternatives. The Patient always has the final word about medication. THE INFORMED PATIENT It is important for you to be well informed about medications you may need. You should know what medications you take and the dosage, and learn everything you can about them. Many medications now come with patient package inserts, describing the medication, how it should be taken, and side effects to look for. Pharmacies have medication information available on the prescriptions they fill. I will give you information on the medications I prescribe for you. When you come to see me always bring a list of all of your prescribed medications (including dosage), over-the-counter medications, and vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements you take. The list should include herbal teas and supplements such as St. John's wort, echinacea, ginkgo, ephedra, and ginseng. Almost any substance that can change behavior can cause harm if used in the wrong amount or frequency of dosing, or in a bad combination. Drugs differ in the speed, duration of action, and in their margin for error. RELIEF FROM SYMPTOMS Just as aspirin can reduce a fever without curing the infection that causes it, psychotherapeutic medications act by controlling symptoms. Psychotherapeutic medications do not cure mental illness, but in many cases, they can help a person function despite some continuing mental pain and difficulty coping with problems. For example, antidepressants can lift the dark, heavy moods of depression. The degree of response-ranging from a little relief of symptoms to complete relief-depends on a variety of factors related to the individual and the disorder being treated. How long someone must take a psychotherapeutic medication depends on the individual and the disorder. Many depressed and anxious people may need medication for a single period-perhaps for several months-and then never need it again. People with conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depressive illness), or those whose depression or anxiety is chronic or recurrent, may have to take medication indefinitely. Like any medication, psychotherapeutic medications do not produce the same effect in everyone. Some people may respond better to one medication than another. Some may need larger dosages than others do. Some have side effects, and others do not. Age, sex, body size, body chemistry, physical illnesses and their treatments, diet, and habits such as smoking are some of the factors that can influence a medication's effect. QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOCTOR You and your family can help your doctor find the right medications for you. The doctor needs to know your medical history, other medications being taken, and life plans such as hoping to have a baby. After taking the medication for a short time, you should tell the doctor about favorable results as well as side effects. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and professional organizations recommend that the patient or a family member ask the following questions when a medication is prescribed: What is the name of the medication, and what is it supposed to do? How and when do I take it, and when do I stop taking it? What foods, drinks, or other medications should I avoid while taking the prescribed medication? Should it be taken with food or on an empty stomach? Is it safe to drink alcohol while on this medication? What are the side effects, and what should I do if they occur? Is a Patient Package Insert for the medication available? SPECIFIC MEDICATIONS Pharmaceutical companies are spending millions of dollars each year in the search for new psychiatric drug treatments. Please go to the National Institute of Mental Health drug website and read their booklet on psychiatric drugs for details about specific psychiatric medications, their uses and side effects.. This is an invaluable source for an in depth review of these medications.