Medication information
Understand the questions to ask, the monitoring that may be needed and how to use psychiatric medicines more safely.
Before starting a medicine
Tell the prescriber about current medicines and supplements, allergies, previous adverse reactions, physical-health conditions, alcohol or substance use, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and any difficulty taking medicines regularly.
Ask about the purpose of the medicine, expected benefits, common and serious adverse effects, interactions, monitoring and when it should be reviewed.
Using medicines safely
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed.
- Do not share medicines or use another person’s prescription.
- Do not change the dose or stop suddenly without advice.
- Use one updated medicine list for every healthcare visit.
- Store medicines securely, especially where children or vulnerable people are present.
- Check before combining treatment with alcohol, supplements or over-the-counter products.
Monitoring
Depending on the medicine, monitoring may include symptoms, adverse effects, weight, blood pressure, movement symptoms, ECG or laboratory tests. Attend scheduled reviews even when feeling better.
Missed doses and stopping treatment
Instructions differ between medicines. Do not automatically double a dose. Check the prescription information or contact the treating team or pharmacist. Some psychiatric medicines require gradual reduction to lower the risk of withdrawal symptoms or relapse.
Seek urgent medical help
Seek urgent assessment for suspected overdose, collapse, severe breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, seizures, very high fever with marked stiffness or confusion, severe rash, sudden loss of consciousness, or rapidly worsening suicidal thoughts.
Important limitation
This page does not provide individual drug recommendations, dose changes or a substitute for prescribing advice. Medicine decisions require assessment by a qualified clinician.
Clinical review status
Dr. Vikhram RamasubramanianMD (General Medicine), MD (Psychiatry)
Consultant Psychiatrist, Ahana Hospitals.
Clinical review: 07 September 2026
Next review: September 2027
Need help deciding what to do next?
Speak with the Ahana Hospitals care team for guidance based on your needs and the services currently available.
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