Medication Management
A psychiatrist or mental health nurse practitioner can work with you to decide if medication is the right option for you and get the right prescription to your pharmacy.
Psychiatric Evaluations and Medication Management
Mindwell Behavioral Health provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management therapy for people in need of mental health support in the state of New Jersey. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to helping individuals achieve their optimal mental well-being so they can live a fulfilling and meaningful life. With a focus on evidence-based practices and a person-centered approach, Mindwell Behavioral Health provides a wide range of treatment options tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, or any other mental health issue, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Our state-of-the-art facilities offer a warm and welcoming environment where you can feel safe and comfortable throughout your treatment journey. From therapy and counseling sessions to medication management and holistic wellness approaches, we prioritize your overall well-being and strive to empower you with the necessary tools to navigate life's challenges.
Understanding Medication Management
Medication management is an essential aspect of mental health treatment. It involves the responsible and effective use of medications to treat mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others. Proper medication management is important to ensure that individuals receive the right medication at the right dose, and that they adhere to the prescribed treatment plan.
Medication management includes not only monitoring but also the overall coordination and optimization of a patient's medication regimen. It involves selecting the most appropriate medications, determining dosages, addressing potential drug interactions, educating the patient about their medications, and closely monitoring their progress. Medication management is a more holistic and proactive approach to ensuring that medications are an effective part of the patient's treatment plan.
Medication management for mental health is very different than medication management for physical ailments. A patient who needs an antibiotic for an infection, for example, only needs to follow up if symptoms persist. For psychiatric patients, however, consulting with their doctor about their medications is an ongoing process.
A qualified healthcare professional should prescribe and manage medications for mental health conditions, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health provider. They can conduct a thorough assessment, make an accurate diagnosis, and prescribe appropriate medications based on the individual's specific condition and needs.
It is important to follow the prescribed treatment plan, including the dosage, frequency, and duration of medication use. Do not stop or change the medication regimen without consulting with the prescribing healthcare professional, as sudden changes can have adverse effects on mental health.
Medications can have potential side effects, and it is important to monitor for any adverse reactions or changes in physical or mental health.
Self-medicating or using medications without a prescription is risky and can have serious consequences. It is important to only use medications that are prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional, and to not share or use medications that are prescribed for others.
Regular follow-up appointments with the healthcare professional are important to monitor the effectiveness of the medication, assess for side effects, and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
It is essential to maintain open and honest communication with the healthcare professional about any concerns, questions, or changes in symptoms related to medication use. This can help ensure that the treatment plan is tailored to the individual's needs and optimized for their mental health.
Healthcare professionals that provide evaluation, diagnosis and medication intervention in the treatment of mental health disorders staff our Medication Management Program.
MindWell Behavioral Health approaches mental health and substance use treatment through a multidisciplinary program that focuses on the whole person — physical, spiritual, psychological, and social.
What Do Psychiatric Medications Treat?
Some mental health disorders are best treated by therapy, while others are effectively treated through therapy and medication. More often than not, the most successful interventions combine the two. For example, a patient receiving exposure therapy for OCD may need medication to ameliorate their symptoms as they practice techniques learned in therapy.
In some cases, medication is the core treatment and therapy the secondary intervention. Those with a chemical imbalance, for example, may need medication to stabilize the mind and then use therapy to help them heal.
Common Psychiatric Medications
Psychiatric medication came into use at the end of the 19th century as an alternative to traditional restraint methods used to control patients. Psychiatric medications have evolved since these early days. Today, mental health professionals have multiple options that can treat a wide range of disorders.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are the most widely used medication in psychiatry. As their name indicates, these medications work to combat the symptoms of depression. These medications can be useful for patients with other disorders, as well, including anxiety disorders or ADHD. Common antidepressants include:
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
Anti-Anxiety Medicines
Common anti-anxiety medications, including Lorazepam, Clonazepam, and Buspirone, help patients with everything from generalized anxiety to panic attacks. They can be used for acute conditions, working quickly, or for chronic management of long-term conditions, as well.
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics work for many disorders, including PTSD, severe depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and OCD. Various antipsychotics include:
- Ziprasidone (Geodon)
- Aripiprazole (Abilify)
- Lurasidone (Latuda)
Stimulants
Working much like coffee does but on a larger scale, stimulants help patients with disorders as diverse as ADHD and binge eating disorder. Common stimulants used in psychiatry include:
- Adderall
- Methylphenidate
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Dextroamphetamine
Manage medications safely
Where you store medications and how you take them can have a big impact on their effectiveness and your safety. Ask your physicians and clinicians about possible side effects or medication interactions that you should be aware of. Confirm the best place to store your medicines in your home. Most importantly, know who to call if you have a bad reaction or takes a prescription differently than prescribed.
- Store medicines in a proper location. Medication should always be stored safely in a dry, cool place. For this reason, avoid keeping prescriptions in the bathroom.
- Keep medicine in a childproof place. If children are around, keep medicine containers out of reach, especially those without childproof caps. Some medicines have bright colors and shapes that children can mistake as candy.
- Take medicine in a safe environment. Never take medicine in the dark or when you are tired or distracted. You might take the wrong medicine or too much. Ask for help, if needed, to find and take the correct medicine.
- Take only your own prescriptions. Never take medicines prescribed for someone else.
- Ask your pharmacist before drinking alcohol. Some medications interact poorly with alcohol. Ask your physician or pharmacist if it is safe to drink while taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine.
FAQ About Medication Management
When treating co-occurring disorders, the goal of psychiatric medication management is to reduce symptoms, improve functioning, and help individuals stay on track with their treatment plans. When prescribed correctly, medications can have a positive effect on an individual’s quality of life. However, it is important to be aware that some medications can have side effects. It is important to discuss possible side effects and any other concerns with a mental health provider.
When an individual starts taking psychiatric medications, they should monitor the symptoms closely with their mental health provider. Regular check-ins can help identify any issues or changes in the individual’s symptoms. A person may need to adjust the dosage of the medication, switch to another medication, or receive additional treatments.
It is important to make sure that a person takes their medications as prescribed and reports any side effects or changes in symptoms to their mental health provider. It is also important to be aware of potential drug interactions with other drugs and supplements. Taking multiple medications can increase the risk of side effects and drug interactions.
If a client has co-occurring disorders, they have any combination of:
- A substance use disorder or poly-substance use disorder
- One or more mental health disorder(s)
An official diagnosis is provided to clients who fit the criteria for one (or more) substance use disorders and one (or more) mental health disorders outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5-TR).
Let’s talk about your specific needs.