Category: <span>Medication Therapy Management</span>

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5 Promising & Most Prescribed Psychotropic Medications

Psychotropic MedicationsPsychotropic medications for the treatment of mental illnesses are a large piece of the puzzle in treating all types of mental illnesses. While non-drug therapies are often preferred, drug interventions can be effective depending on the severity of illness and risk factors. Psychotropic medications prescribed to children have increased in recent years both in the United States and worldwide. In the Netherlands, 2.9% of youths were prescribed psychotropic medications, compared with 6.7% in the United States.

Antidepressants, SSRIs, and stimulants are the most prescribed psychotropic medications

Because psychotropic drugs can lead to dangerous side effects, they should be used with caution. Your doctor will help you determine which medications are right for you and adjust your prescriptions based on the benefits and side effects you experience.

1) Anti-psychotics

A typical low potency antipsychotic drug is chlorpromazine. It was developed over 60 years ago and is still in use today. These drugs block dopamine and the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, both of which are important players in schizophrenia. Typically, these drugs are used to treat mood disorders and depression. Anti-psychotics were also more commonly used in patients with autism spectrum disorders, bipolar mania, and aggressive behaviors. However, some antipsychotics are associated with serious side effects. For example, aripiprazole, clozapine, and quetiapine have been known to increase the risk of suicide in children. Other antipsychotic drugs include risperidone and olanzapine.

While antipsychotic drugs are effective, they are not a cure-all for mental illness. As with any psychotropic medication, it’s important to avoid abrupt dose changes. If you need to stop your medication. You should taper the dosage slowly with the help of your doctor. You should also ask yourself whether it’s the right time for a change. Do you have the support you need from family and friends? If you’re unsure, ask your doctor a few questions about your current medications. And, if you’re not happy with your doctor’s answer, seek a second opinion.

2) Antidepressants / SSRIs

SSRIs are a class of psychotropic medications that are useful for treating depression and anxiety, however, their therapeutic actions are not specific to any one type of diagnostic group. These drugs are known to have similar side effects, many of which disappear after a few weeks of treatment. While the therapeutic effects of each SSRI may overlap, they differ in their potency and how quickly they are eliminated from the body.

Commonly prescribed SSRIs include Zoloft, a sertraline-based antidepressant. It is also used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Effexor and Elavil are tricyclic antidepressants. There are many other SSRI medications including Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, and Paxil, so you can understand why it might take time and trial to find the most effective medication and dosage.

3) Anti-anxiety

Benzodiazepines, anxiolytics, and beta-blockers are all used as anti-anxiety medications. These medications have different dosages and are effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan are benzodiazepines that are often prescribed to treat panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia, and other mental disorders.

Most commonly, anti-anxiety medications are prescribed for those who experience excessive levels of anxiety. Some people experience heightened levels of anxiety only under certain circumstances, such as when confronted with a certain object, animal, or phobia. Other people have ongoing conditions that require daily medication. For example, some people may take anti-anxiety medications for obsessive-compulsive disorder or an antipsychotic to treat the symptoms of anxiety.

4) Stimulants

Stimulant psychotropic medications are mostly prescribed for children and adults with ADHD. While stimulants affect the central nervous system, there is a wide range of use for them in clinical practice. Stimulants can affect blood pressure, heart rate, and alertness. In certain patients, this class of medication may have immense therapeutic value, while for others there is no clinical benefit.

5) Mood stabilizers

The most common mood stabilizer is lithium, however, other medications such as Tegretol, Depakote, and Lamictal have also been prescribed for this purpose. These medications are also prescribed to prevent seizures. People who are using psychotropic medications as mood stabilizers should be aware of the side effects associated with the medications. It can take two to four weeks for the mood stabilizer to take effect. They should be taken for at least six months and even longer to prevent future episodes of depression and mania.

In Summary

Before taking psychotropic medications, people should discuss their medical history and symptoms with their doctors. They should also discuss their goals for using the medication. Though psychotropic medications can help people suffering from depression and other mental illnesses, they cannot treat the underlying problem. A physician should prescribe psychotropic medications as a supplement to other treatments.

An effective way to start is to seek therapy with a qualified health care provider. The right therapy can help you overcome your symptoms and improve your life in general

Medication Therapy Management By riverview 0 Comments

Bipolar Disorder Can Be Devastating, There Is Help and Hope

 

Bipolar disorder, also called manic depressive illness, is a serious psychiatric illness characterized by extreme emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). People with it experience unusual emotional fluctuations – from extremely happy, sometimes referred to as “bipolar disorder mania” or “superman syndrome,” to extremely sad and depressed, sometimes referred to as “bipolar disorder depression.”

bipolar disorder

Bipolar sufferers experience alternating periods of mania and depression. They often go from highly active, seemingly energized, to extremely sad and inactive, seemingly paralyzed by depression. The sufferer can experience one episode of mania and depression or multiple episodes of both.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from bipolar disorder, seek medical attention immediately                         

There are several ways to diagnose bipolar disorder. Your doctor will ask about your personal history and present you with a list of questions. The answers to these questions will help the doctor determine if your symptoms are related to another mental health issue, such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

When in doubt, get a thorough diagnosis from a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist?

Numerous studies have concluded that bipolar disorder is hereditary and approximately 80% of patients diagnosed with bipolar have some family history of mental illness.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder usually begin in the early to mid-teens and often go undiagnosed, as parents assume this behavior is due to puberty and normal stress associated with teenagers.

Bipolar disorder is widely believed to be the result of chemical imbalances in the brain. The chemicals responsible for controlling the brain’s functions are called neurotransmitters and include noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine.

To treat bipolar disorder, the most effective way is through a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

You can choose which medications you use and when to take them. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may be prescribed antidepressants or mood stabilizers, which are taken daily. You can also choose between lifestyle changes and other forms of treatment. No matter what treatment options you choose, you should try to find a healthy lifestyle and diet and maintain a regular sleep pattern.

For mild cases of bipolar disorder, lifestyle, and diet changes such as limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, avoiding too much stress, exercising, and eating a balanced diet may provide relief and decrease your symptoms.

When suffering from an episode of mania or depression, lifestyle and diet changes aren’t always enough. Medications can sometimes help, as well as therapy. Antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, and beta-blockers are commonly prescribed in the treatment. However, they are not for everyone and must be used under a doctor’s care.

Manic and depressive episodes are classified as first-degree or major depression and mania.

  • A first-degree bipolar disorder episode lasts for at least four weeks and is directed at the sufferer.
  • A major depression, on the other hand, occurs less frequently and is characterized by at least four or more first-degree episodes that last for a period of six months or more. These episodes may include extreme unexplained anger towards others and may be difficult for loved ones to understand.
  • A manic episode is characterized by a sustained period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, intense energy, racing thoughts, and other extreme and exaggerated behaviors.

Bipolar disorders are twice as likely to affect people who have first-degree depression or mania compared to those with second-degree depression or mania. Bipolar disorder is also more likely to affect people who have a genetic disposition.

Your medical history will have a lot to do with your treatment options. Your medical history is often the only basis for the diagnosis, so it’s important to get all your tests and records from your doctor.

Your medical history includes details about the types of medications you’re taking, including doses, length of time you’ve taken them, and the results of any diagnostic tests. It includes details about your family medical history, including whether any of your relatives have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder before. Keeping a medical history is critical to getting the right medications and the best treatment for bipolar disorder.                 

Riverview CMHC        

451 SW Bethany Drive, Suite 103
Port Saint Lucie, Florida
772-301-1354

 

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Medication Management – 5 Things You Need To Know Today

Managing medication can get confusing for those that require multiple medications on a daily basis. For the patient and their loved ones, the management of medication can seem a bit daunting. With the proper steps and techniques in place, the process becomes much more manageable.

Medication Management Today

The following five steps will help you to safely and effectively manage your medications, or the medications of your loved one that requires them:

  1. Listen to the doctor and pharmacist. When you listen to the doctor and pharmacist, you are given proper instructions to reduce chances of negative reactions. Some medications require you to take them with food. Others require you to have an empty stomach. Some may make you feel tired, while others may keep you awake. Knowing what to expect from the medication being administered is the first step. If something seems unclear, ASK. Do not be afraid to ask questions when it comes to the care of yourself or a loved one.
  2. Organize medications. At the beginning of the week, set up all medications that are needed, in order of the times they are taken. A medication dosage organizer is a great help. They are available in date and time formats that allow you to put the pills in the certain slot where they are required to be taken. There are even applications available on smartphones to assist with organizing medications. Taking the correct amount at the correct time is imperative, and having all doses set up in advance will assist with ensuring that the medication is taken appropriately.
  3. Keep information handy. You need to have a complete list of medications that are taken ready and available in case of an emergency. Medical professionals need to know what you are taking and what is in your system in the event of an emergency, when determining how to give emergency care. Some medications can not be mixed with others. Keep a list of your medications with you in your wallet, so you have it at all times. Make sure it is up to date regularly.
  4. Keep the correct supply in your possession. Make sure that you refill prescriptions when you notice that the bottle is getting low. Usually, a week or two notice should be given for a refill at the pharmacy. Don’t leave it until the last minute, or you may run out.
  5. Notice changes in the medication. If you refill a prescription and the pill or bottle looks completely different, consult with the pharmacy or doctor to make sure that the correct medication is given. Over time, the appearance of the pill or bottle may change, but errors can also occur. Making sure you have the correct one is important to your health.

These five steps should assist in making medication management easier. Keeping a list of medications, dosage amounts, and dosage times, and using a pill organizer are the simplest and most effective ways of managing medication. If you still feel like you could use more help, contact Riverview Community Mental Health Center

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What is The Best Medication Management Therapy

Medication Management Therapy

Medical professionals are available to provide both assessments and medication management for those suffering from mental illnesses. Although it is a service offered, most do not know what it actually means.

For those that have never had to take any psychiatric medications in the past, it can seem a bit scary. This is the same for those that have had bad reactions in the past, or if you are unsure if what you are prescribed is really helping your symptoms.

When it comes to medications for mental illness, there is a lot that is unknown at first, but this is where the medical professional can help. It helps to learn what medication management therapy actually means, and to know what to expect with the treatment process. Understanding both symptoms and medications is the first step to proper treatment for mental health symptoms.

Mental well-being affects our overall state of physical health. When one feels stressed or experiences trauma, it can leave them anxious and overwhelmed. These feelings can snowball into more severe psychological and even physical illnesses. Addictive and destructive behaviors can occur.

It is important to have a physical annually, and just as important to take a moment for a mental health check as well. A medical professional can perform a mental health check, or an assessment, to provide an overview of your mental state. If there are symptoms that need treatment, medications can be administered. Discussion assists in finding the root of mental health needs.

After the assessment, the medical professional comes up with a treatment plan that is designed specifically for the patient. They outline the actions, uses, and side effects that may occur from medications that are suggested. The patient then agrees to the plan and is observed during a trial period to ensure that the medication is working properly.

Different patients may have different reactions to medications that are prescribed, which is why managing the medications is so important. It takes careful monitoring and ongoing discussions to ensure that the medications used are the right fit. It is also important to consult the medical professional before adding any additional medications to your daily routine, as medications have different reactions when mixed with others.

Psychiatric Medication Management Therapy

Using prescription medications comes with the risk of side effects. These effects are discussed in detail, as well as the benefits of using the medication itself. Not all patients will need medicines, but there are specific cases where medications are involved in the best course of treatment in order to relieve the patient’s symptoms.

When treating depression, bipolar disorder, sleep problems, anxiety, panic, ADD, and schizophrenia, medication management therapy is often the most effective treatment option.

When medications are prescribed, it is important to take the right dosage, at the right time. Follow the instructions completely, and don’t stop taking the medication without consulting the medical professional that prescribed it. Before adding any medications, ensure that there are no interactions with those that are currently prescribed.

Having a good routine for medication management therapy is key to ensuring that the medications are functioning the best that they can, in order to help the patient live their best life possible with the least amount of symptoms.

We at Riverview Community Mental Health Center understand that everyone has different needs. We will create a psychiatric medication management therapy plan tailored to your specific needs.

Our thorough approach to medication management involves carefully evaluating both your physical and mental health before changing or adding new psychiatric medications. In some cases, this will include ordering lab tests to pinpoint underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your mental health.

As specialists who treat all types of mental illness conditions, our clinicians understand that psychiatric medications may take some time and trial to be effective. Understanding these differences between medications allows us to optimize the pharmaceutical benefits and minimize any possible side effects.