I am not saying this to cause any problems, but I think it depends on the physician and on the patient. I would never sleep without my meds, and I don't feel like I need a psychiatrist in order to sleep. My ankles hurt and throb the minute I lay down and my physican does an excellent job adjusting my meds. I was his 4th patient and I don't trust anyone as much as I trust him. This is just my personal opinion and everyone has to decide for themselves.
As for side effects, these drugs can do all sorts of really weird things. I had stomach problems when I began a new medicine and it took several days to get used to the medicine. I get meds by mail. I have always taken one medicine as capsules. The last time the pharmacy sent tablets for the very same med. I couldn't take them and I had to get them to send the capsules.