Medications are an integral part of the treatment of many mental health issues. The proper medication is meant to reduce or eliminate symptoms and improve your quality of life. However, medications affect people in different ways. A licensed and trained professional like Dr. Cawkwell of PBC Psychiatry can prescribe the correct medication and dosage to account for each person’s response to medication.
What is medication management?
Medication management is an outpatient treatment that involves the evaluation of a patient’s medication needs, the currently prescribed medications, and the monitoring of progress or symptoms over time. Put simply, it is a review by a doctor to make sure you are taking the correct medication to address your health issues, making sure it is the correct dosage, and ensuring that any symptoms are controlled & addressed. The goal is to make any treatment plan safe and make sure it is working for you.
Reactions, Side Effects, and Combinations
The standard approach to taking medication is knowing how much to take and when to take it. However, aside from knowing the interval and dosage, there are more things to consider including:
- Side effects
- Reactions to other medications & supplements
- Efficacy & tolerance
This is why it is important to inform Dr. Cawkwell of all the medications you are currently taking, any supplements (even herbal), any symptoms the medication is not relieving, and any side effects you are experiencing. It is important that you are clear about the purpose, safety, and effectiveness of any medication you are taking as well as any potential risks.
Is your medication not working?
Even when a patient is taking all the right medications in the right amounts, It is common for a patient not to experience the desired outcomes when first receiving treatment for mental health issues. The lifelong mental wellness journey involves some trial and error in finding the right treatment plan and adjusting the treatment plan to changes in your life. Other times inconsistency and incorrect dosage can have negative effects on psychiatric treatment.
Age and tolerance can also be great contributing factors. As you age, there are certain medications that can become ineffective or even dangerous. Even if a certain medication has worked for you in the past, there is no guarantee that your body and lifestyle changes will support the same medication. Similarly, your body can begin to build a tolerance for certain medications which can make them less and less effective over time. A change in dosage or choosing a new medication can bring you better results. Knowing when to change and what replacement medication is required is the responsibility of a trained medication management professional. For this reason, it is important to share your experiences with Dr. Cawkwell. With medication management and therapy combined in one treatment plan, Dr. Cawkwell can ensure that you are taking the medication correctly and address any complications that coincide with the treatment plan. At PBC Psychiatry, you are working with a certified mental health professional who can formulate an effective treatment plan that includes medication management. If you or a loved one is experiencing difficulty with prescribed medications and would like someone to help monitor the reactions and make necessary changes to treatment, PBC Psychiatry in California, Oregon, and New York is your telehealth answer. Find solutions and relief from the comfort of your home with Dr. Cawkwell.
