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Tag: Mental illness

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

Can Antidepressants Trigger Psychosis? A Review of the Evidence

4 min read
While antidepressant-induced psychosis is rare, one retrospective review of adult psychiatric admissions found that 8.1% could be attributed to antidepressant-associated mania or psychosis [1.3.5]. The critical question remains: **can antidepressants trigger psychosis** in susceptible individuals?

What Medication Works Best for Agitation? A Comprehensive Guide

4 min read
According to the National Institutes of Health, managing agitation requires a tailored approach based on the individual's specific situation and underlying causes. Answering the question of **what medication works best for agitation** is complex, as the optimal choice depends on factors like the cause of agitation, the patient's medical history, and the desired speed of effect.

How to help someone who won't take their meds? A compassionate guide

5 min read
Medication non-adherence is a common issue, with studies showing that up to 50% of patients with chronic illnesses do not take their medications as prescribed. For caregivers, learning **how to help someone who won't take their meds** requires understanding the underlying reasons for refusal and approaching the situation with empathy and patience.

Why a Patient Would Be on an Antipsychotic Neuroleptic Medication

4 min read
Antipsychotic medications are the primary treatment for schizophrenia and have been shown to significantly reduce relapse rates in patients with psychotic disorders. A patient would be on an antipsychotic neuroleptic medication to manage a range of severe mental health conditions and to control symptoms of psychosis, mania, and agitation.

Can Lorazepam Trigger Psychosis? Unpacking the Risks and Side Effects

4 min read
In rare cases, benzodiazepines like lorazepam can produce 'paradoxical reactions,' causing effects that are opposite to their intended sedative purpose, which can include hallucinations. This occurs in a small percentage of users, often surprising those who expect a calming effect. The potential for psychosis, though infrequent, is a documented risk associated with lorazepam use.

Can you drink alcohol on Abilify? Understanding the Serious Risks

2 min read
Experts, including those from the National Library of Medicine, consistently advise that you should not drink alcohol on Abilify, the brand name for aripiprazole. Combining these two substances intensifies central nervous system (CNS) side effects, significantly impairing coordination and judgment.

What is the oldest class of antidepressants?

4 min read
First introduced in the 1950s, **monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)** and **tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)** are the two oldest classes of antidepressants, discovered serendipitously during research for other conditions. Their emergence represented a monumental shift in psychiatric care, moving the field beyond rudimentary treatments and laying the groundwork for modern psychopharmacology.

What is the Difference Between Paliperidone and Paliperidone Palmitate?

4 min read
According to studies, medication non-adherence is high among people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, occurring in approximately 50% of patients. This is a major reason why prescribers might consider the different formulations of these medications. The core difference between **paliperidone and paliperidone palmitate** lies in their formulation and how they are administered: one is an oral medication, while the other is a long-acting injectable (LAI).