Factsheet: How can I get information about medications?
Many mental health consumers, as well as concerned family and friends, seek information to help them better understand the benefits of prescribed medications, potential side effects, and to help them in talking with their doctor about such matters.
Mental Health America encourages consumers to talk with their doctor regarding any medication-related questions or concerns and to inform him or her about all the medications being taken so that negative drug interactions can be avoided.
Mental Health America has also developed written materials “Treatment Options for Recovery” (pdf) and “Antipsychotic Medication Checklist” (pdf), both of which include general information about medications and lists of questions to help with such discussions.
In addition to talking with their doctor, many consumers and their family members want to consult other information sources.
To talk with a knowledgeable professional, you can consult the following resources:
- Your local pharmacist is a valuable resource to answer medication-related questions. Pharmacies are required to provide written information about prescriptions they are dispensing.
- Pharmaceutical companies have staff that can respond to questions from the general public. View pharmaceutical company medical information telephone numbers below
- In addition, many states have Drug Information Centers operated by area hospitals. To find out if there is a Drug Information Center in your area, please contact the Mental Health America Resource Center by calling 800-969-6642 or by e-mailing our help desk.
For written information, you can consult the following resources:
- Anxiety Disorders Association of America
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association
- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- MayoClinic.com
- NARSAD:The Mental Health Research Association (Downloadable booklet "Managing the Side Effects of Antipsychotic Medications" available once you log in or register)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH's detailed booklet describes mental disorders and the medications for treating them — includes a comprehensive list of medications)
- National Women's Health Resource Center (pdf; Medication chart near end of report)
- Obsessive Compulsive Foundation (Medication information links in column on lower right side of page)
- National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus
- WebMDHealth
*Contact Information for Major Pharmaceutical Companies
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*Disclaimer: Mental Health America may provide contact information to other third party organizations. These contact listings are provided for convenience of reference only and are not intended as an endorsement by Mental Health America of the organization or a warranty of any type regarding the organization or any services or products the third party organization may provide.
For More Information:
For help finding treatment, support groups, medication information, help paying for your medications, your local Mental Health America affiliate, and other mental health-related services in your community, please click here to access our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. If you or someone you know is in crisis now, seek help immediately. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24 hour crisis center or dial 911 for immediate assistance.
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