medications Many mental health consumers, as well as concerned family and friends, seek information to help them better understand the benefits of.
prescribe medication, potential side effect, and to help them in talking with their doctor about such matters.
Mental Health America encourage consumer to talk with their doctor regarding any medication-related question or concern and to inform him or her about all the medication being taken so that negative drug interactions can be avoided.
n addition to talking with their doctor, many consumer and their family member want to consult other information sources.
When you’re feeling overwhelm or confused, it’s understandable that you might want to let other make medication decisions for you.
But it’s becoming clearer to researcher, provider and mental health consumers themselves that being actively involve in your treatment can make a real difference in your recovery.
Talking honestly with your doctor is a big part of that prices.
If you discuss your concern and learn about your options, you are much more likely to come up with a plan that works well for you and for the life you want to create.
The following tips can help you decide about taking a medication:
Get information. Ask your provider how the medication is suppose to help with your specific concern. Also find out about any possible side effect.
You might consider taking notes, since it can be hard to remember a lot of information, especially when you aren’t feeling well.
You also might ask a friend or relative to go with you for emotional support and to help keep track of important information.
Use MHA’s Antipsychotic Medication Checklist to help with such discussions.
Talk with others with similar experience.
Self-help group and peer specialist-people with mental health conditions who are train to help-can provide great first-hand information.
Local Mental Health America affiliate office, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance and Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder are good source for this kind of support.
Remember that every person is different, but you can learn from the experiences of others.
Think about your priorities and goals. Is relief from symptom extremely important? If not, maybe you’re willing to live with some symptom to avoid side effect.
What are your main life goals? How might medication help?
Sometime the only way to know if a medication is right for you is to try it. You may find that it help you feel much better. If not, you can decide to stop later.
What Should I Ask About The Medications That Are Prescribed For Me?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you ask the following questions:
What is the name of the medication and what is it supposed to do?
How and when do I take it, and when do I stop taking it?
What foods, drinks or other medications should I avoid while taking this medication?
Should it be taken with food or on an empty stomach?
Is it safe to drink alcohol while on this medication?
What are the side effects, and what should I do if they occur?
Is a Patient Package Insert for the medication available?
Talk To A Pharmacist
Do you have extra questions about medication? MHA has a partnership with Walgreen and together we want to help. Visit their Pharmacy Chat and speak to someone today for extra help.
How Can I Tell If My Medication Is Working?
Some people get relief from their symptom immediately, others after a few days or weeks; for others, it may take even longer.
After a short time on the medication, it’s important to share with your doctor or therapist how you are doing with the treatment.
Together, you may need to find the right amount of medicine or combination of medicine.
It’s especially important to tell your doctor about any side effect you’re having from the medication. You may be able to make some change in dosage or the time of day you take the medication to lessen or get rid of the side effects.
There are also newer medication that have fewer side effect than older drug, making it easier for people to stay on them.
If after an extend period of time on a medication you are still not experiencing progress, you may need to talk with your doctor about trying another medication.
Consult your doctor before making any changes in your medication.
How long you take medication really depend on your particular need. Some people are able to discontinue medication when their symptoms have fully subsided and they have reach their treatment goal.
Others may need to remain on medication for longer period of time as part of a long-term recovery plan.
To Talk With A Knowledgeable Professional, You Can Consult The Following Resources:
Your local pharmacist is a valuable resource to answer medication-relate question. Pharmacies are require to provide written information about prescription they are dispensing.
Pharmaceutical companies have staff that can respond to questions from the general public. View pharmaceutical company medical information telephone number below.
In addition, many states have Drug Information Centers operate by area hospitals. Contact your local Mental Health America affiliate to find one in your area.
|Abbott Laboratories||100 Abbot Park Rd.|
Abbott Park, IL 60064
|AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals||PO Box 15437, DE 19850||800-236-9933|
|Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.||900 Ridgebury Rd.|
PO Box 368
Ridgefield, CT 06877-0368
|Eli Lilly and Company||Lilly Corporate Center|
Indianapolis, IN 46285
*Disclaimer: Mental Health America may provide contact information to other third party organization. These contact listings are provide for convenience of reference only and are not intended as an endorsement by Mental Health America of the organization or a warranty of any type regarding the organization or any services or product the third party organization may provide