Many people who take psychiatric medicines have side effects, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Almost all of the side effects listed below are temporary; the body adjusts to the side effects so well that they disappear on their own after a few days or weeks. A few are more persistent. Some people who take psychiatric medicines never have any side effects of any kind.

Listed below are the most common side effects of psychiatric medicines and ways to manage them. Of course, whenever you have side effects from any medicine, you should report them at your next visit to the person who is prescribing your medication. This may be a doctor or a nurse. If the side effect is severe, call right away. It's a good idea to get into the habit of reminding your doctor or nurse at every visit about the side effects that are still causing you trouble. He or she may be able to adjust your dose or your dosage schedule in a way that will make you more comfortable. On the other hand, your doctor or nurse may ask you to put up with the side effects because many of them go away on their own. Either way, some of the hints we offer here may help.

When you have side effects, they can make you very uncomfortable. Sometimes people even feel like giving up on their medication when the side effects are strong. It's extremely important for you to know that most of the time, even the most uncomfortable side effects are short-lived. If you stop your medication or take less of it than prescribed, you will be at risk for becoming ill again. Instead of stopping your medication on your own or taking it less often, talk to your doctor or nurse about the problems you are having so adjustments can be made that will make the medication more comfortable for you.

Addiction
This is a potential problem only with one kind of psychiatric medicine--the minor tranquilizer (Valium, Librium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin and others in that group). Antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers are not addictive. If you are worried about addiction to a minor tranquilizer, discuss ways to reduce the risk with your prescriber.

If you have a history of addiction, minor tranquilizers should probably be avoided.

Blurred Vision
Blurred vision is a common problem in the beginning of treatment with many psychiatric medicines. It is almost always a temporary problem that improves on its own. If it doesn't improve after a few weeks, let your doctor or nurse know.

Confusion and memory problems
If these problems occur, it is usually during the first few weeks of treatment. If the problem lasts beyond that time, or is severe, let your doctor or nurse know and a change in dose may solve the problem.

Constipation
This can be a chronic problem for people who take psychiatric medicines, but there are many things you can do to help. Make sure you drink at least eight cups or glasses of liquids every day. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain breads and cereals every day. Get some exercise every day, whether it's walking, bike riding, jogging, playing sports--any physical exercise will help prevent constipation. If you're following all these suggestions, and you still have problems with constipation, your doctor or nurse may prescribe a stool softener (a tablet or liquid taken by mouth) for you to take every day, or may suggest that you regularly take a medicine made of natural psyllium fibers, like Metamucil or other similar brands.

Dry Mouth
This is a common side effect that usually disappears after the first few weeks. In the meantime, it helps to have a cup or bottle of water with you during the day to sip if your mouth feels dry. Some people find it helps to occasionally chew gum or suck on hard candies. Your mouth may also feel better if you brush your teeth at least twice a day.

Headache
A persistent dull headache is most likely to result from the use of the SSRI antidepressants and a few of the other newer antidepressants. It usually goes away on its own after the first few weeks, and in the meantime, aspirin or Tylenol may help. Be sure to let your doctor or nurse know at your next visit.

Heat Intolerance
Most psychiatric medicines make it hard for your body to maintain a normal temperature in hot, humid conditions. When the weather is hot and humid, it's best to avoid strenuous activities and to stay as cool as you can. Wearing loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and staying near a fan or air conditioner may help. Drink extra liquids to prevent dehydration. If you're outdoors on a very hot and humid day, stay out of direct sunlight and avoid strenuous activity of any kind.

High Blood Pressure
(the medical term is Hypertension)
This is a problem that you probably would not be able to detect on your own. Your doctor or nurse or the staff of your program will check your blood pressure a few times when you first begin taking your medicine to make sure your blood pressure is normal.

Increased Urination and Resulting Thirst
These two related problems are common in people who take lithium. In most people they are annoying but not dangerous. If you find you have to urinate so often that it interferes with your life at home, school or at work, let your doctor or nurse know and some tests can be done to see if the addition of another medicine would help.

The increased urination is a direct result of taking lithium, and will not slow down even if you stop drinking liquids altogether. In fact, if you cut back on drinking liquids, there's a danger of your body becoming dangerously dried out. So even if you're urinating large amounts, make sure you drink at least 8 cups of liquid every day. If you're still thirsty, drink more. Thirst is an important sign that your body needs more liquids.

Low Blood Pressure
(the medical term is Orthostatic Hypotension)
You may notice this problem as a feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness. It may be strongest when you first stand up from sitting or lying down. If you have this problem, it will help to get up slowly from a sitting or lying position (especially first thing in the morning when you're just getting out of bed). If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, sit down or hold on to something sturdy until the feeling passes. It will also help to increase the amount of liquids you drink to at least eight glasses or cups per day.

Muscle Jerks
(the medical term is Myoclonus)
If you notice that your muscles are jumpy or twitchy, or that you have involuntary jerking in any part of your body, let your doctor or nurse know. A change in dose or the addition of another medicine usually helps.

Nausea or Vomiting
If you have this problem, it may help to avoid taking your medicine on an empty stomach. Eating food or drinking water or juice before you take your medicine is usually helpful. If it is a severe problem, your doctor or nurse may be able to relieve it with another medicine, or with a dose adjustment.

Problems in Sexual Desire or Performance
Many people who take psychiatric medicines develop one or more of the following sexual problems: lack of interest in sex, trouble having orgasm, a change in the quality of orgasm, or delay in orgasm. Sometimes it's hard to tell if these sexual problems are being caused by the illness or by the medicine, since stress, depression and anxiety can also cause problems with sexual desire and performance. If you have either a decrease in sexual interest, or trouble with sexual performance, let your doctor or nurse know. A decrease in dose or the addition of another medicine will usually solve the problem. Sometimes it's necessary to stop the medicine and change to another.