8 Questions to Ask Your Psychiatrist Before Starting Mental Health Medication

Should You Ask Questions About Your Mental Health Medications?

Starting a new psychiatric medication can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. Asking thoughtful questions can help you feel more confident, informed, and involved in your treatment. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we believe that empowered patients make better progress. Here are 8 key questions to ask your psychiatric provider before starting any new medication.

1. What Side Effects Should I Expect—and When Should I Be Concerned?

Understanding side effects helps you prepare both mentally and physically. Many medications have mild, temporary effects that subside after a few days or weeks. Others may require medical attention. Your provider should give you a detailed rundown of common and serious side effects and explain what to do if you experience them.

2. How Long Will I Be on This Medication?

The duration of treatment varies. Some medications are meant for short-term relief; others may become part of a long-term plan. Most antidepressants are continued for at least six months after you start to feel better. Be sure to ask your provider about the expected timeline and how treatment goals will be evaluated.

3. What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

Life happens, and sometimes we forget. Find out whether it’s okay to take a missed dose later, or if you should skip it entirely. Also, ask about potential withdrawal symptoms and what to watch out for.

4. What Is the Goal of This Medication, and How Will It Help Me?

Every medication should have a clear purpose. Is it meant to ease anxiety, stabilize mood, improve sleep, or reduce intrusive thoughts? Understanding the goal helps you track progress and sets clear expectations. Your provider should also explain how this medication fits within your broader mental health treatment plan.

5. Will This Medication Cause Dependency?

Some psychiatric medications have the potential for physical or psychological dependency. It’s important to know if your medication falls into this category and how your provider will monitor its use.

6. Are There Alternatives to Medication for Mental Health?

Yes. Therapy, lifestyle changes, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and ketamine infusions are all effective, evidence-based alternatives. At Axis, we offer integrative psychiatry—blending the best of traditional and complementary therapies.

7. What Should I Expect When Starting This Medication?

Adjusting to a new medication can take time. Your provider should walk you through when to expect improvements, what the adjustment period may feel like, and how to communicate any concerns that arise.

8. When Will I Start to Feel Better?

Some medications, like ketamine or Spravato, work within hours or days. Others, like SSRIs, may take 4–6 weeks to show noticeable effects. Your provider should set realistic expectations and schedule follow-ups to assess how you’re responding.

What’s Not on the Label—What Patients Wish They’d Asked

At Axis, we often hear from patients who wish they’d asked about the emotional side effects of medications, whether insurance covers newer treatments like TMS, or how meds may interact with their diet or supplements. Don’t hesitate to ask anything, no matter how small it may seem.

Axis Is Your Partner in Medication Management

Mental health is deeply personal, and medication isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we offer compassionate, integrative care that puts you in the driver’s seat of your healing journey.

Book a consultation today or call us at (720) 400-7025 to explore your treatment options and get the answers you deserve.