5 Mental Health Medication Myths & Truths

Over the years, I've noticed that medication myths are one of the biggest barriers preventing people from getting help they could really benefit from. These myths are everywhere — passed down from well-meaning family members, spread on social media, or based on outdated information from decades ago.

I'm Christopher Schuman, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner serving patients in Texas and Washington. Today, I want to address the most common medication myths I hear and share what current research actually shows.

Myth #1: "Psychiatric medications will change my personality"

This is probably the most common concern I hear—and it’s completely understandable. No one wants to feel like a different person. But here’s the truth: the right psychiatric medication should help you feel more like yourself, not less.

When you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, it can cloud how you think, feel, and relate to others. Medications—when well-matched and properly dosed—can clear that fog, helping your true self come back into focus.

That said, some medications (especially certain antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs) can cause emotional blunting or apathy if the dose is too high or not quite the right fit. If you’ve felt “off” or emotionally flat on a previous medication, it doesn’t mean all meds will do that—it just means we need to tailor your treatment more carefully.

Psychiatric prescribing is as much art as science, and the goal is always to support—not suppress—your personality.

Myth #2: "Once you start, you can't stop"

This is one of the most common fears about psychiatric medication—and one of the most misunderstood.

The truth? Many psychiatric medications can be stopped, and when done carefully and with clinical guidance, patients often do very well. Some medications need to be tapered gradually to avoid withdrawal-like symptoms or a return of symptoms too quickly. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck forever.

In fact, if a taper becomes difficult, we have tools to make it easier. For example, some antidepressants like venlafaxine (Effexor) are known for tough withdrawals due to their short half-life. In those cases, we can sometimes switch to a similar medication with a longer half-life—like fluoxetine (Prozac)—which allows for a much gentler taper and smoother transition off medication.

Ultimately, the decision to stay on or come off medication is collaborative, based on your goals, your symptoms, and your health. Meds aren’t a life sentence—they’re a tool, and you’re in the driver’s seat.

Myth #3: "Psychiatric medications are addictive"

This is a common concern, but it’s based on a misunderstanding. Most psychiatric medications—like antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics—are not addictive. They don’t create a “high,” cause cravings, or lead you to compulsively seek out more. And they don’t require escalating doses over time.

However, some medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. That’s why we taper gradually when it’s time to come off a medication—not because you’re addicted, but because your body has adjusted to the medication’s presence.

It’s important to understand the difference between physical dependence and addiction. Many medications, even common ones like blood pressure pills or diabetes treatments, can create physical dependence—meaning your body adapts to their regular use. But that’s not the same as addiction, which involves compulsive use despite negative consequences.

In psychiatry, we always aim for thoughtful, personalized prescribing—balancing effectiveness with safety, including how we stop a medication when the time is right.

Myth #4: "Medication is just masking the real problem"

It’s a fair concern—no one wants to simply cover up symptoms without addressing the root cause. But sometimes, what feels like a “mask” is actually a bridge to healing.

If your anxiety is so intense that you can’t leave the house, how can you begin therapy? If depression is so deep that getting out of bed feels impossible, how can you start processing past trauma or making life changes? Medication can create just enough stability to make that next step possible—whether it’s showing up to therapy, sleeping through the night, or thinking clearly enough to reflect and grow.

Think of it like taking pain medication after surgery: it doesn’t heal the surgical site, but it allows your body to rest so real healing can happen. Psychiatric medication can work the same way—improving sleep, mood, focus, or reducing brain fog so that you’re better equipped to do the work of recovery.

And it doesn’t have to be forever. Many medications—especially sleep aids—are used temporarily, just to get through the toughest stretch. Medication is a tool, not a crutch.

Myth #5: "Natural alternatives are always safer"

It’s easy to assume that if something is “natural,” it must be safer or better—but that’s not always true. Plenty of natural supplements can cause side effects or interact dangerously with other medications. For example, St. John’s Wort—a popular herbal remedy for mood—can interfere with birth control pills, antidepressants, and other medications in ways that may be harmful or unpredictable.

Another challenge? Dosing. Unlike prescription medications, many natural products vary widely in strength and purity. And even when they’re standardized, we often don’t have clear data on the dose needed to cause a benefit—or a problem. For instance, how much ashwagandha does it take to improve anxiety? Or to trigger apathy or GI side effects? The answers aren’t always clear, because these supplements haven’t gone through rigorous clinical trials like prescription medications have.

That said, lifestyle factors—like exercise, sleep, nutrition, and stress management—are incredibly powerful and should always be part of the conversation. In some cases, they may be enough on their own. Other times, they work best alongside medication and therapy.

The bottom line? What matters most is what works—and what’s safe—for you. Whether it’s a prescription, a natural option, or a combination of approaches, evidence-based care is always the goal.

Making Informed Decisions

Every medication decision should be based on your specific situation, not fear of outdated myths. My job is to help you understand your options clearly so you can make informed choices about your care.

Here are questions I encourage you to ask any provider discussing medication:

• "What are the specific benefits and risks for my situation?"

• "How will we know if it's working?"

• "What happens if I want to stop?"

• "Are there non-medication options we should try first?"

Modern psychiatric medications are more targeted and better understood than ever before. While all medications have risks and benefits, these should be discussed thoroughly before any decisions are made. Medication is one option among many — never the only answer.

The Bottom Line

Don't let myths and misinformation keep you from exploring treatment options that could significantly improve your quality of life. Whether you ultimately choose medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination, the most important thing is making decisions based on accurate information and what's right for your unique situation.

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Insurance: I accept most major insurance plans and offer transparent pricing for self-pay patients

Crisis support: We you're experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room

Christopher A. Schuman, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of Veritas Behavioral Health, serving patients in Texas and Washington.