Talking to people about medicines

For many medicines used for mental health problems, it is a specialist doctor (often a psychiatrist) who will give you the first prescription for your medicine. You may be seen by other mental health professionals as well.

It is a good idea to have some questions ready to ask your doctor when you get a new medicine. Feel free to print out this list and take it with you. Doctors expect their patients to ask more questions, and to be more involved in decision making.

When you start taking medicines, it is a good idea to go and ask to talk to your local pharmacist.

Taking a medicine can be difficult if you are doing it all on your own. Having the support of family members or friends could help you to get the best from your medicine.

If you need to take medicines at school, college, University or work, you need to prepare yourself so that you can be comfortable taking them.

A medicine has to go through a lot of tests before it gets a licence to be used in the NHS. During those tests they look at what side-effects it causes. After it gets its licence, however, it is still important to know what side-effects it causes for peop