Finding the right psychiatric medication takes time because every human body is unique. Your age, genes, health and daily habits can change how a medicine works.
A medicine that helps one person may not help another. Some people may also have side effects. That is why doctors work with you to find the right care plan.
At Mind And Body Balanced LLC, we offer personalized psychiatric care and medication management. We also support eligible clients in exploring their treatment options.
Key Takeaways
- Your genes and metabolism dictate how you process medications, which is why one size doesn’t fit all.
- Medications have a variety of effects related to factors such as age, diet, other medicines, organ health, sleep and stress.
- When taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach, it can lead to frustrating trial and error, side effects, and no relief.
- At Mind And Body Balanced LLC, testing, therapy and provider-guided adjustments help match treatment to you.
Why Do Our Bodies React Differently to Medicine?
Every human body features a unique biochemical makeup, including distinct liver enzymes, brain receptor densities and metabolic rates. Medication for a psychiatric illness can work really well for one person but not so well for another person because the person’s brain chemistry is different from that of the person taking the meds.
Sometimes the medicine may be absorbed by the digestive system too quickly, and sometimes it may be broken down in the liver too slowly. This is a natural occurrence. It is well known to physicians that each person’s body metabolizes drugs differently.
How Do Genes Affect Medication Response?
Genes are like instruction books inside your cells. They tell your body how to make enzymes. Enzymes are tiny workers that break down medicines. Small changes in your genes can make these workers faster or slower.
Researchers have found that genes called CYP2D6, CYP2C19 and CYP2B6 play a big role in how people respond to antidepressants and antipsychotics.
- Two people can take the same pill.
- One person’s body may clear it quickly.
- The other person’s body may clear it slowly.
Their blood levels can be very different.
At Mind And Body Balanced LLC, we offer GeneSight testing. It is a simple cheek swab. It does not hurt. The test looks at genes like CYP2D6 and CYP2C19. It can give us clues about your body.
GeneSight isn’t FDA-approved. It doesn’t guarantee which drug will work. However, it can provide useful insights and help avoid problematic medications.
Why Do Side Effects Differ So Much?
Side effects are not the same for everyone. One person may feel tired. Another may feel restless. A third person may have no side effects at all. This happens because medicines travel through your whole body. They touch many systems, not just the one that needs help.
The chemicals in your brain have a role to play too. Psychiatric medications impact chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. Everyone’s brain is programmed in different ways. Receptors on brain cells can vary from person to person. These small variations can alter the effect of a medicine and therefore its effectiveness.
Some side effects are linked to specific genes. For example, certain immune system genes can raise the risk of serious skin reactions from some mood stabilizers. This is why your provider may ask about your family history and past reactions.
What Other Factors Change How Medicine Works?
Genes are not the only thing that matters. Many parts of your daily life change how your body uses medicine.
- Your age
As you get older, your body may break down some drugs more slowly. You may need a lower dose.
- Other Medicines
Cold pills, allergy pills and other drugs may change how your mental health medicine works. Tell your doctor about all the drugs you take.
- Food and Drinks
What you eat is important. Grapefruit juice can block your body from breaking down certain drugs. Anxiety medicine may not be as effective with caffeine. Depression medicine may not work safely with alcohol.
- Overall Health
Your liver and kidneys are the filters of your body. If you have any problems with these organs, they will process drugs differently.
Can Your Daily Habits Impact Your Mental Health?
Yes, your daily habits play a huge role in your healing. Medicine is only one of the tools that you have. It is best used in conjunction with other healthy tools.
Daily routines are the basis of your health. When you don’t get sufficient sleep at night, your brain will not have sufficient time to rest and repair. Poor nutrition will make you feel tired. Making simple changes to your day can make your medicine work much better.
Your stress levels also matter. If you are going through a hard time at home, medicine alone might not be enough. This is why pairing medicine with talk therapy is very helpful. Therapy gives you skills to manage stress, while medicine gives your brain the support it needs.
At Mind And Body Balanced, we offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you build skills to manage thoughts and feelings. Medicine and therapy often work better together than either one alone.
How Do You Find the Right Mental Health Plan?
Creating a proper plan requires some time and cooperation. You should not feel alone doing this. A good provider will listen to your story, look at your health history and explain all your options.
Here are a few simple steps to finding what works for you:
- Track Your Feelings: Keep a small notebook by your bed. Record your emotions daily, in the morning and evening. This enables your provider to recognize trends.
- Note Side Effects: Keep an eye on the side effects, including headache, upset stomach, or tiredness. If a pill makes you feel bad, tell your provider right away.
- Be Honest: Share the facts about your daily routines. Be honest about your sleeping and eating habits. You must be given the truth so that they can help you.
- Ask Questions: If you have any questions about why a medicine was recommended for you, don’t hesitate to ask.
- Be patient: It will take 4-6 weeks for the full effect of psychiatric medications.
What Should You Do If Your Medicine Is Not Working?
If you feel like your medicine is not helping, do not stop taking it on your own. Stopping suddenly can make you feel much worse.
Instead, call your provider. Ask for an appointment to discuss your feelings. Your provider might:
- Change your dose
- Switch your medicine
- Suggest adding therapy to your plan
FAQs
Why did my medicine stop working after a few years?
Your body changes as you grow older. Sometimes your brain gets used to a pill. This is normal. Your doctor can change your dose or try a new medicine.
How long does medicine take to work?
Most medicines for mood take several weeks. Often four to six weeks. Be patient. Take it every day
Is it normal to try three pills before one works?
Yes, this is very normal! Everyone has a unique body. It is okay to try a few options.
Ready for Mental Health Care Made for You?
You deserve care that fits your needs. Contact Mind And Body Balanced LLC today. Schedule your free 15-minute call. Let’s build a brighter future for your mental health together.
This post is for learning only. It is not medical advice. If you are in danger, call or text 988 or call 911.