NorthWestern Mental Health

Welcome to Choice and Medication for NorthWestern Mental Health

This website contains up-to-date medication fact sheets which outline the benefits and risks of each medication. Simply type in the name of a medication and click Search. You will then be able to choose from:

• The standard fact sheet (the PILL)
• A brief fact sheet with a larger font (the BILL)
• A quick fact sheet with pictures (the QUILL)


The fact sheets have also been translated into a number of languages which you can select from. 

There are many different types of medications in use and it can be confusing to keep track of them all, including any side effects that they may cause. 

Basically, there are four main types of medication:

• Those that treat depression or low mood
• Those that stabilise your mood
• Those that treat anxiety
• Those that treat psychosis or altered thought patterns


The response to medication can vary from person to person. What is helpful to one person might not help another. Finding the right medication and dosage for your needs can take some time. It is important that you are fully informed of your options and what to expect from each medication.

Usthis resource page and work with your treating team so that you can understand:

• what results to expect from your medication
• how long it will take to experience a difference 
• how to take your medication effectively
• how to keep track of what medications works for you (a medication diary can be useful)
• what to do if the medication doesnt work as expected
• what to do if you experience any unpleasant or unbearable side effects

NWMH encourages all consumers, carers and families to be engaged with their treating teams. Consumers can write Recovery and Wellness plansand Advance Statements to let the treating team know what has worked or not worked for themCarers and families can also receive information from the treating team via family meetings.