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Post 6 in the Series: Safer Psychiatry
By Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T, Consultant Psychiatrist

💬 “Doctor, I’m scared of getting dependent on this.”

💬 “Do I have to take this forever?”

💬 “Can we reduce the dose?”

These are some of the most important questions patients (or their families) ask me—and they deserve a thoughtful, non-defensive response.

This post is a guide for patients and caregivers on:

• How to ask about medication safety

• What topics are okay to bring up (spoiler: all of them!)

• And how to build a partnership with your psychiatrist based on mutual trust and clarity

🔓 Why Patients Hesitate to Ask

• Fear of seeming disrespectful

• Assumption that “doctor knows best” (which is true—but dialogue helps!)

• Worry about being labelled “non-compliant”

• Past negative experiences with being dismissed

But in reality, your voice matters.
Asking questions makes you an informed collaborator—not a difficult patient.

📝 5 Questions Every Patient Can (and Should) Ask

1. “What is this medicine supposed to do?”

Ask about expected changes in symptoms, sleep, mood, energy.

2. “How long will I need it?”

Knowing whether it’s short-term (weeks) or maintenance (months to years) helps plan better.

3. “Is this medicine habit-forming?”

Especially important for benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, stimulants.

4. “Are there safer or alternative options?”

There may be non-Schedule X medicines or therapy-based plans available.

5. “When and how will we review this plan?”

Set checkpoints: 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months—for follow-up, tapering, or modification.

🙋 What You Should Never Hesitate to Report

• Side effects (even if they seem small or embarrassing)

• Emotional numbness or over-sedation

• Concerns from family

• Fear of dependence

• Desire to stop or reduce the medication

A good psychiatrist will always appreciate open communication.

🔁 What a Shared Decision-Making Approach Looks Like

Instead of:

“Just take this—it works.”

You’ll hear:

“This medication has helped many people. It may cause drowsiness at first. Let’s review in 3 weeks. If it doesn’t suit you, we’ll try something else.”

This is the gold standard of care—and every patient deserves it.

👨‍⚕️ My Consultation Style

As a Consultant Psychiatrist practicing in Chennai (Apollo Clinics, Velachery & Tambaram), I believe in:

• Explaining medication choices clearly

• Involving the patient/family in all decisions

• Offering both drug and non-drug options wherever possible

• Providing follow-up plans for tapering, side effect management, and review

📞 For appointments, call: 8595155808
🌐 Consultations available in person or online

✅ Summary

Psychiatry is not about giving pills and sending people away. It’s about healing in partnership.
Asking questions doesn’t weaken the treatment—it strengthens it.

So the next time you meet your psychiatrist, bring your curiosity.
Bring your concerns.
Bring your voice.

We’re here to listen.

🧠 Next in the Series:
“Helping Families Understand Psychiatric Medication Choices” — A Guide for Caregivers