Psychiatric Medication Management

A major aspect of the treatment process for mental health disorders at any inpatient psychiatric facility is going to be medication. For some individuals, the use of medication can be a cause for concern, especially if they are unsure as to how they are going to react to certain psychotropic meds. Many individuals may be hesitant to take any type of medication because they fear the potential side effects. Their heads are filled with thoughts of a future where they imagine themselves in a zombie-like state because the doctors have them so hopped up on meds.

While it is possible for some individuals to experience some side effects, psychotropic medications can be a life saver for many who are struggling with mental health illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Medications help to treat the symptoms of mental health disorders which makes it easier for individuals to focus on the therapeutic aspects of treatment. While medications do not cure a disorder, when combined with psychotherapy, they can help individuals get back to their highest level of functioning.

How Medication is Handled in an Inpatient Setting

While there may be no way to avoid the use of medication for some mental health disorders, an inpatient treatment program will do all that they can to ensure that they find the one that works best for you. Medication works differently for each individual, some working better than others, which is why prior to starting your treatment regimen, you will complete a thorough psychological and medical evaluation. The process of finding an appropriate medication usually includes the patient, his or her family members, and doctors working together to make sure the medication is prescribed in a way that supports the patient’s personal recovery goals. All those involved should be provided with sufficient information that will help them choose medications based on current evidence and outcomes. Your specific disorder and lifestyle needs will help to determine which type of psychotropic medication you will be prescribed. Results will be monitored by your treatment team to see how well it is working in alleviating your symptoms and to watch out for any side effects. If a particular medication is not working for you, your psychiatrist or physician will try other types of medication until they find something that provides the best results.

Lauren Hardy M.A., writes on behalf of Abilene Behavioral Health, which is a community-focused hospital and treatment center with the all-encompassing goal of providing superior care to children, adults, and older adults who are struggling with mental health disorder and substance abuse.

In addition to making sure your medications are working effectively, your treatment team will work with you on medication management. Medication management helps to promote the safe use of medications and help people achieve the best results from their medication. For those with mental health disorders, medication management is often an important part of the recovery process when used in an effective way as part of the overall treatment. Most inpatient programs have educational sessions or groups about medication so that individuals know more about the meds they are taking and why they are being prescribed. Before anyone can manage their own medication, it is vital for them to understand the importance of medication in general.

Psychiatric Medication Management at Home

Just because you have left an inpatient treatment setting does not mean that you can stop taking your medication. Even though you may feel better, it does not mean that you are cured; it may simply mean that your meds are working and it is imperative that you do not discontinue using them. It is also common for individuals, since they are no longer under constant supervision, to forget to take medication or to forget which medication is supposed to be taken at what time. This is especially true for individuals that are taking more than one medication. Here are some solutions that may help with medication management:

• Use pill boxes: this allows you to put your medication into different sections so that you can just open the right section at the right time and take all the pills in that section.
• Signs: placing signs around the house can help remind someone to take their medication.
• Lists and schedules: make a weekly schedule that includes medication that needs to be taken as well as the dosage and the time that it is to be taken.
• Timers and alarms: setting an alarm so that when it goes off you know that it is time to take your medication.

In addition to medication compliance, it is also important that you check in regularly with your psychiatrist or physician so that they can ensure that your medication continues to be effective. Sometimes, as our bodies change, medication has to be altered to work more efficiently. Be sure to inform your doctor of any side effects you are experiencing, so that proper adjustments can be made.

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