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 These myths are everywhere — passed down from well-meaning family members, spread on social media, or based on outdated information from decades ago.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 fear I hear most often, and I understand why it's so concerning. The truth is that well-chosen medication should help you feel more like yourself, not less. When depression, anxiety, or other conditions are affecting your daily life, medication can help clear the fog so your actual personality can shine through.

One patient told me, "I was worried antidepressants would make me a different person. Instead, I feel like I got myself back — I can laugh with my kids again." That's exactly what good treatment should accomplish.

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

Most psychiatric medications can be safely discontinued with proper guidance. Some people use them short-term during difficult periods; others find long-term use helpful. The decision is always yours, and we can reassess anytime your circumstances change.

I often tell patients to think of it like blood pressure medication — some people need it temporarily after a stressful period, others benefit from longer-term use. There's no shame in either approach, and the choice should always be based on what's working best for your life.

Myth #3: "Psychiatric medications are addictive"

Most psychiatric medications (antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics) are not addictive. Your brain doesn't crave them or build tolerance requiring higher doses. However, stopping some medications suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, which is why we taper gradually when discontinuing.

There's an important distinction here: physical dependence (your body adapts to the medication) is different from addiction (compulsive use despite harm). Many medications cause physical dependence — including blood pressure medications and diabetes medications — but that doesn't make them addictive.

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

Sometimes that "mask" is exactly what you need to function well enough to address underlying issues. If your anxiety is so severe you can't leave the house, medication might help you get to therapy sessions where you can work on root causes.

I see medication as potentially giving you the stability to do the hard work of healing, not as a substitute for it. Think of it like taking pain medication after surgery — it doesn't heal the surgical site, but it allows your body to rest and recover while the real healing happens.

Myth #5: "Natural alternatives are always safer"

"Natural" doesn't automatically mean "safer" or "better." Many natural supplements can interact with other medications or have side effects. St. John's wort, for example, can interfere with birth control and other medications.

That said, lifestyle changes — exercise, sleep, nutrition, stress management — are often powerful tools we should explore alongside or instead of medication. What matters most is evidence-based treatment, whether that's medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination.

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.

Ready to Learn More?

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

Crisis support: If 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.