When to Seek Medication Management for Your Psychiatric Meds

Managing multiple mental health medications, or any medications when you also live with a mental health condition, can be a huge challenge. Many patients struggle to take their medications regularly, while also questioning if the medications they’re taking are even the right ones.

At Brain Revive Psychiatry, LLC, in Lakewood, Colorado, Dr. Alison Burton, DNP, PMHNP, helps patients aged 18 and older with medication management to improve mental, emotional, and physical health.

Conditions that benefit from medication management

Many conditions require constant medication management to optimize efficacy and avoid unwanted symptoms. Mental health disorders that often need extra oversight when it comes to medication regimens include:  

• Anxiety
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder 
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression 
• Eating disorders
• Insomnia
• Mood disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Substance abuse disorder

If you have one or more general health conditions plus one or more mental health conditions, appropriate medication management is even more important.

When to seek medication management

There are several ways you may come to the realization that you need help with your medication(s).

Medication overload

Do you take handfuls of pills every day? It can be overwhelming, even if it’s necessary, and there’s even a name for it: medication overload. Almost 20% of older adults take 10 or more medications every day. That’s a lot to keep track of!

The truth is, not all of those medications may still be necessary if they were prescribed by different doctors over a period of many years. A medication management expert can help identify which meds you don’t need and help you create a plan to make sure you stay on track with your remaining medications. 

Side effects

Most medications have a list of potential side effects. Some interact badly with other medications. Some have an added risk of side effects when taken with other medications with the same known risks.  

Medication management can help you avoid unwanted side effects by looking at the big picture and making sure you’re being prescribed appropriately. We can also suggest alternatives if you’re experiencing severe side effects because of one or more medications.

Meds that don’t seem to be working

We routinely meet with you to evaluate how your medications are working. With mental health medications, this can mean months of trial and error, leading you to feel desperate or hopeless in your search for better mental health.

We offer genetic testing to help narrow down which medications are most likely to work for you, for better outcomes and a more positive experience with mental health treatment.

Repeat hospitalization or facility admittance

If you keep ending up in the ER or being admitted to a facility, having a medication management expert on your side can help ensure your needed meds are still given during the transition and that your whole body health is considered during in-patient treatment.  

Studies show that medication review between multiple health care professionals helping the same patient, plus patient education and planning for compliance with medication protocols can reduce your chances of readmission.

If you need medication management, contact our practice today by calling 303-578-8949 or by requesting an appointment online.