Medications are instrumental and even life-saving tools in mental health treatment, but only when used safely and responsibly. We have taken some time to outline some of the best practices for storage, disposal, basic medication interactions, and what to do if things don’t feel right. Designed with real-world scenarios, the following content supports both patients and caregivers in creating safer environments and more informed treatment decisions. Please note, this summary is considered to be elemental and not exhaustive.

Safe Medication Use

Take medications exactly as prescribed:

• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions precisely

• Do not increase, decrease, or stop your medication without consulting your provider

• Take medications at the times specified, even if you feel better

• Do not share your medications with others, even family members with similar symptoms

Important medication practices:

• Keep a current list of all medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements

• Inform all healthcare providers about every medication you're taking

• Use only one pharmacy when possible to help track your medications

• Bring all medication bottles to appointments for review

Patient Scenario: Managing Multiple Medications

Sarah, age 35, takes Adderall for ADHD and sees both her psychiatrist for medication management and a therapist for weekly counseling sessions. She maintains a current medication list on her phone and shares it with both providers. This helps prevent dangerous medication interactions and ensures coordinated care between her psychiatric and therapeutic treatment.

Patient Scenario: Mental Health Treatment Journey

Jasmine, age 29, has panic disorder and takes a low dose of clonazepam while attending weekly therapy. She was initially hesitant about starting medication, but with ongoing communication and close monitoring, she feels more stable and is learning new coping skills through treatment.

Safe Storage

Protect your medications:

• Store all medications in a secure, locked location away from children and visitors

• Keep medications in their original containers with labels intact

• Store medications in a cool, dry place (not in bathrooms or cars)

• Never leave medications visible or easily accessible

Why secure storage matters:

• Prevents accidental ingestion by children or pets

• Reduces risk of theft or diversion

• Maintains medication effectiveness

• Protects your family and community

Summary Box:

Storage Essentials


✓ Lock it up: Store medications securely to prevent accidental use or theft

✓ Original containers: Keep labels intact for safety and identification

✓ Cool, dry place: Avoid bathrooms and cars to maintain medication effectiveness

Safe Disposal

When you have unused medications:

• Follow medication-specific disposal instructions on the label

• Use community drug take-back programs when available

• For most medications: mix with unpalatable substances (coffee grounds, cat litter) and dispose in household trash

• Some medications (like certain opioids) should be flushed down the toilet - check the FDA flush list

• Remove personal information from prescription labels before disposal

Recognizing concerning changes in mental health treatment

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• Significant changes in mood, including increased depression, anxiety, or irritability

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

• Unusual changes in thinking, concentration, or memory

• Severe sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns

• New or worsening panic attacks or anxiety symptoms

• Any side effect that concerns you or interferes with daily activities

When taking controlled substances for mental health treatment, also watch for:

• Increased need for higher doses to achieve the same therapeutic effect (tolerance)

• Thinking about the medication frequently when not taking it

• Using medication for reasons other than prescribed (such as using stimulants for weight loss when prescribed for ADHD, or using anxiety medication for sleep when prescribed for panic disorder)

• Running out of medication early repeatedly

• Difficulty managing daily responsibilities due to medication effects

Mental Health Crisis Resources:

• Crisis hotline: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)

• Emergency: Call 911 if you are in immediate danger

• Local crisis services: Contact your local emergency room or crisis intervention team

Patient Scenario: Recognizing Changes

Michael, age 42, noticed his anxiety medication wasn't working as well after several months. Instead of taking extra doses, he scheduled an appointment with his psychiatrist to discuss the change. Together, they adjusted his treatment plan safely and explored whether therapy techniques could complement his medication management.

Medication Interactions

Important interactions to avoid:

• Alcohol: Can cause dangerous drowsiness, breathing problems, and increased risk of overdose, especially when combined with psychiatric medications

• Other sedating medications: Including sleep aids, anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, and some antihistamines

• Certain antibiotics and antifungal medications: Can alter how your body processes other medications

Always tell your healthcare providers about:

• All prescription medications you take

• Over-the-counter medications and supplements

• Herbal remedies and vitamins

• Any recreational substances you may use

• Previous adverse reactions to medications

Summary Box:

Interaction Prevention


✓ Full disclosure: Tell all providers about every medication to prevent dangerous interactions

✓ Avoid alcohol: Especially with psychiatric and pain medications due to serious risks

✓ Ask first: Before adding any new medications or supplements to avoid complications

Mental health emergency preparedness

Warning signs of a mental health crisis:

• Thoughts of harming yourself or others

• Feeling hopeless or trapped with no way out

• Extreme mood swings or agitation

• Withdrawal from friends, family, and activities

• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping patterns

• Substance use as a way to cope with emotions

In case of a mental health emergency:

• Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for immediate support

• Go to your nearest emergency room if you feel unsafe

• Remove access to means of self-harm

• Stay with someone until professional help arrives

• Contact your psychiatrist or therapist if available

Important medication information for emergencies:

• Keep a current list of all psychiatric medications and doses

• Include your healthcare provider's contact information

• Note any medication allergies or adverse reactions

• Share this information with emergency responders when needed

Traveling with Medications

When traveling:

• Keep medications in original containers with prescription labels

• Carry a current medication list from your healthcare provider

• Pack extra medication in case of travel delays

• Store medications in carry-on luggage when flying

• Research medication laws if traveling internationally

Working with Your Healthcare Team

Be an active participant in your care:

• Keep all scheduled appointments

• Be honest about how medications are working

• Report any side effects or concerns promptly

• Ask questions if you don't understand instructions

• Request written information about your medications

Questions to ask your healthcare provider:

• What is this medication supposed to do?

• How long will I need to take it?

• What side effects should I expect?

• What should I do if I miss a dose?

• Are there foods, drinks, or activities I should avoid?

• How will we know if the medication is working?

Summary Box:

Active Partnership


✓ Stay engaged: Keep appointments and communicate openly for optimal treatment outcomes

✓ Ask questions: Understand your medications and treatment goals to be an informed partner

✓ Report changes: Share any concerns or side effects promptly for safety and effectiveness

Note for Healthcare Providers: Although federal law still refers to "abuse potential"* in scheduling criteria, clinical language should reflect that substance use disorder is a treatable medical condition. Healthcare providers are encouraged to use compassionate, person-centered language that supports recovery and reduces stigma.

*Note: The term "abuse potential" is a legal term used in federal scheduling statutes. Clinically, healthcare providers use non-stigmatizing terms such as "problematic use" or "substance use disorder."

Provider Note - Schedule I Analogues: Some unlisted substances that are chemically similar to Schedule I drugs may be treated as illegal under the Controlled Substance Analogue Act (21 U.S.C. §802(32)(A) and §813). This typically applies to illicit synthetic substances not used in clinical care and is relevant for criminal prosecution, not legitimate medical treatment with prescribed medications.