Common myths about psychiatric medicines
Many beliefs about psychiatric medicines are wrong. Common antidepressants are not addictive, medicines do not change who you are, and not everyone needs them for life. A psychiatrist chooses and reviews them, and you should never stop one suddenly on your own.
Last updated 2 November 2026
Myth: these medicines are addictive
Antidepressants such as SSRIs are not habit-forming, although stopping them suddenly can cause unpleasant symptoms. Some medicines, such as benzodiazepines, can cause dependence, so doctors prescribe them with care and usually for short periods.
Myth: once you start, you can never stop
Many people stop once they have recovered, under their psychiatrist's guidance, often by lowering the dose slowly. How long you need a medicine depends on the condition and on you.
Myth: medicine changes your personality
The aim is to ease symptoms so that you feel more like yourself. If you feel numb or different, tell your psychiatrist. The dose or the medicine can be changed.
Myth: medicine works straight away
Antidepressants usually take a few weeks to show their full effect. Some medicines act faster. Ask your psychiatrist what to expect from yours.
Myth: needing medicine means you are weak
Mental health conditions involve the brain, just as other conditions involve other organs. Taking medicine when it is needed is treatment, not weakness. Many people also benefit from therapy, alone or together with medicine.
Do not stop suddenly
Talk to your psychiatrist before you stop or change any medicine. Stopping suddenly can bring symptoms back or cause withdrawal effects. If you feel unsafe, call 112 or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
This is general information
This page is not advice about your own medicines. Your psychiatrist can tell you what suits you.
What to do next
If you have questions about medicine, you can talk to a psychiatrist online. To know what a visit involves, read your first online consultation, or see when to see a psychiatrist. Mindly sees people online in every Indian city, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad. See online psychiatrist in India.
How to start
- Call or message us. Reach us on +91 90352 54779 or WhatsApp. Tell us your language and a convenient time.
- Free pre-consultation call. Our team takes your history and prepares a report for your clinician, so you do not repeat yourself.
- Video session. You meet your allotted clinician online, from home or wherever you feel comfortable.
- Your plan. The clinician explains what they find and the next steps. You decide together.
Book your free pre-consultation call
Your privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Can I stop my medicine if I feel better?
Talk to your psychiatrist first. Stopping suddenly can bring symptoms back or cause withdrawal effects, so doctors usually reduce doses gradually.
Does everyone need medicine?
No. A psychiatrist tells you when medicine helps and when therapy or other support is enough.
Related
- When to see a psychiatrist
- Your first online consultation
- Depression
- Mental health glossary
- Is it anxiety or stress?
- Psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor: who should you see?
Sources
Mindly Health is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.