Best Practices for Managing Your Mental Health Medication

Medication can be helpful in the treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions. In some circumstances, medication is necessary for the treatment of co-occurring illnesses since it can alleviate symptoms and assist patients in avoiding relapses of a mental health condition.

For those who are battling addiction, medication can help individuals reduce cravings and help them stay away from addictive drugs. If you are suffering from a mental health condition or addiction issues, your doctor may have recommended medication.

The following article will look at some practices and tips you can follow to manage your mental health medication. Once you learn how to arrange your medication schedule, you can avoid missed doses, be aware of any negative side effects and ensure you never run out of refills.

What is medication management?

Medication management is the administration and monitoring of medications to reduce or stabilize symptoms associated with certain mental health illnesses. A variety of factors will determine the type and dose of medication prescribed for your mental health. These include your diagnosis, symptoms, medical history, any other medications you have to take regularly, other health conditions you may have, your personal preferences, and any other life circumstances that you might be going through.

Although some people with mental health issues can recover without the use of medication, many others feel that it is beneficial to take medicine to help them with their symptoms. Medication can be used to help you get through a crisis or as a long-term treatment, especially if other treatment methods have failed.

Patients with mental health issues will sometimes require a different approach to drug management than those with physical ailments. However, regardless of how long someone will require prescriptions, medication management can be crucial for recovery.

What kinds of medication is available?

Whether or not you are prescribed medicine for mental health concerns is likely to be determined by the following factors: your specific mental health problems, your symptoms, and the severity of your mental health condition. Some people may require medication for a short period of time, while others require them for an extended period of time.

Antidepressants, antipsychotics, sleeping drugs, mild tranquilizers, lithium, and other mood stabilizers are some of the most frequent types of psychiatric medication.

Adherence to medication

Medication adherence is critical to achieving treatment objectives and ensuring that the drugs work properly. If you don't take your prescription as recommended, your mental health may further deteriorate, and you may have to visit the doctor more frequently.

Patients will sometimes fail to take their prescriptions as prescribed, and prescribers usually expect a patient to miss a dose from time to time, which is to be expected. However, if you repeatedly fail to take your medications, your drug prescription plan may need to be modified. This might be something you want to discuss with your doctor during your next visit.

Try to sort your medicine in a pillbox

Pillboxes are cheap and convenient, and you can get them at your local drugstore. They're also inexpensive and simple to purchase online. Each day of the week should have its own box in a basic organizer. If you take tablets more than once a day, larger ones have numerous slots. This allows you to categorize medications based on when you need to take them. Most prescriptions can be securely stored in the same organizer compartment as other pharmaceuticals for short periods without them interfering with each other. However, always make sure to double-check with your doctor or pharmacist to be sure.

Make sure your pillbox is appropriately filled. It's easy to place two tablets in a container accidentally. You should set reminders to replenish your pillbox when it runs out. It’s a good habit to set reminders on the same day every week or month; this will make it easier to remember.

Have realistic expectations

One common misperception about mental health medication is that it instantly helps us feel 'better.' This misconception may sometimes stem from our prior experiences with drugs or antibiotics, where we might have felt better after taking medicine in a matter of days. Medication for mental health issues, on the other hand, doesn't always take effect immediately. It might take many weeks for the drug or drugs to have an impact on your mood.

Some people get disappointed or frustrated when their mental health medication does not completely treat their symptoms. Unfortunately, while medication may relieve some of the symptoms of your mental illness, it does not provide you with the coping skills and information you need to make long-term changes to your life and your mental health condition. That's why it's important to always remember that medication on its own will not magically treat your mental health issues. It has to be part of a bigger lifestyle change.

Check medication prices with your insurance provider

Many insurance companies have certain criteria that patients must meet in order for their medications to be covered, and these limitations are subject to change at any time.
Regardless of how many times you have renewed your prescription, unexpectedly, you may find yourself paying more than usual when you go to pick up your medication. That’s why it’s important to stay up to date with the latest information.

Many insurance companies have websites where clients can get information about their medication and coverage. You can avoid unpleasant surprises at the drugstore by visiting these websites and checking the information every few months.

Frequently check for side effects

When taking medicine, keep track of any unusual side effects. Checking for side effects is a critical component of medication management that is often overlooked. Medication for mental health affects how your brain processes information. While this is usually the objective, medication might stop working or have unexpected side effects even if you have been taking it for a long time. Keeping track of these challenges might help you and your doctor ensure that the medication you're taking is the most effective for you.

If you notice any side effects, bring these up with your doctor, and do not shy away from voicing your concerns. Sometimes a change of medication is necessary, or you might need to discontinue taking medication entirely. That said, it is absolutely critical to consult with a doctor before abruptly discontinuing these drugs. If you suddenly stop taking medication, your mental health issues with depression, anxiety, mood, or thinking may resurface. You can also exhibit withdrawal symptoms. So always make sure you discuss your medication plan with a medical professional before you discontinue your meds.

How can I discuss medication with my doctor?

You can consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding your medication. A good way to do this is to prepare for your visit by writing down any questions or concerns you may have before going in and then bringing these up during the consultation.

Our Jackson House team knows the difficulties you confront when dealing with mental illness. We are in-network with most insurance companies, and we are here to help you get better. Contact us for a free and private consultation today.