Psychiatric Symptoms Associated Wtih Nonpsychiatric Drugs

When you seek help for psychiatric symptoms, it is very important that the professional treating you complete a thorough assessment, including asking questions about physical illnesses you may have or medications you are taking. If they do not ask, offer the information!  This information is important not only for putting together an initial diagnosis and service plan but also if you begin taking any psychotropic (psychiatric) medication during your treatment.

The side effects of some nonpsychiatric medications may mimic certain psychiatric disorders. For example, if you are taking a medication for a heart condition and seek help for depression, it would be good to know that depression is a side effect of many heart medicines. Antibiotics, blood pressure medication, pain medication, hormone therapies, diuretics, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, and others have side effects that can range from depression and anxiety to disorientation and psychosis, including hallucinations, delusions and delirium.

Always ask your doctor about the possible side effects of any medication and read (yes, even the fine print) the information sheet that comes with your prescription from the pharmacy. Being well-informed keeps you, along with your doctor, in control of your treatment.