medicine for mental heath issues

Medication can be an effective part of treatment for mental health conditions, especially when it is used in combination with therapy. Medication may be particularly beneficial for people who are struggling with more severe symptoms of depression. There are many different medications that have been shown by research to be effective for adolescents for many different mental health concerns. Physicians and child and adolescent psychiatrists can help you weigh the benefits and risks of medications for your individual teen. If you and your teen’s care team determine that the benefits of medication outweigh the potential risks, medications that are carefully monitored and used in combination with therapy can be very effective in the treatment of depression and other mental health concerns.

If your teen has been prescribed medication for emotional or behavioral difficulties, it’s important that you make sure your teen takes the medication exactly as prescribed by the doctor. For example, it’s not a good idea to skip days, stop taking the medication without creating a gradual step-down plan with your doctor, or stop because of side effects. In fact, if your teen experiences side effects from the medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes. You may also want to check any educational materials provided to you by your doctor or pharmacist for information on side effects. Keep in mind that it can often take 2-8 weeks for medication to take effect.

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