Proper Psychotropic Medication Management Reduces Risk

Psychotropic medication management makes it possible for patients to receive the medical help they need to address mental illness. Unfortunately, too many people are afraid to take the medication that could potentially save their life or make it possible to live a life worth living. Many of these fears come from the concern that they may become addicted or enter a state of mental fog.

While it is certainly possible for negative side effects to occur, the likelihood is actually relatively slim with the proper medical care.

Speak with a professional

It is important for patients to speak with a medical professional who has experience in helping patients with mental illness. In other words, while a family practitioner has the ability to prescribe psychotropic medication, they are not the best provider to visit. Patients will benefit from seeing someone who focuses their practice on mental health instead of just putting a band-aid over the issue. There are several reasons for this, including:

1. Experience

The more frequently a medical provider treats a particular problem, the more skilled they will be in identifying its symptoms and knowing which medications will provide the best possible results. This can make it possible for patients to receive the benefits of taking the right medication more quickly.

2. Options

There is more than one type of medication that can be useful in treating mental illness. As a provider who focuses on treating patients struggling with things like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression, we are the most equipped to know which medications are likely to produce the best possible results.

3. We create comprehensive treatment plans

Psychotropic medication is a valuable tool for treating mental illness but should not be prescribed as an isolated treatment measure. Instead, we recommend therapy, practicing mindfulness and creating a set of life circumstances that lends itself towards peace and positivity. We will make recommendations that are entirely comprehensive when a patient visits us for help.

Psychotropic medication management at home

In addition to receiving help from a medical professional, it is important for patients to take the necessary steps to manage their medication usage at home. One of the biggest challenges that patients have is not remembering whether or not they took the medication. This can lead to overuse and negative side effects.

To reduce the risk of this happening we recommend that all patients use a weekly pill organizer. These organizers are available at most drugstores like Rite Aid or Walgreens. They have an individual spot for each day of the week. Every week a patient should fill the box with any medications or vitamins that they need to take each day.

Simply open the box with that day of the week, take the medication and never guess again whether or not one took the daily dose. Using a pillbox can also help caregivers and supportive family members keep track of whether a person is taking the necessary medication or not.

Always measure the right amount

Keep the medication bottles out of sight. If the bottles are left out, it is more likely that a patient will take more medication than is prescribed. Out of sight out of mind can be very useful, especially when first beginning treatment.

It is also important to create a routine for what to do when faced with unexpected symptoms. This may even include calling our office to schedule an appointment. We will provide patients with a variety of tips and suggestions for what they can do to make healthy and positive choices at home, in addition to taking the daily medication.

It is also important to create a routine for what to do when faced with unexpected symptoms. This may even include calling our office to schedule an appointment. We will provide patients with a variety of tips and suggestions for what they can do to make healthy and positive choices at home, in addition to taking the daily medication.

Psychotropic medication management makes it easier to live life with mental illness

Our goal is to help patients live a high-quality life and this is one way we can be of assistance. For help, call today.