While we work together to help you get to the root of your problems, sometimes medications may be needed to help you tolerate your emotional pain or to help you function. Psychiatric medication management refers to medications prescribed by psychiatrists to manage and treat mental health conditions. These medications are specifically designed to target symptoms associated with various mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and many other psychiatric conditions.
Medications used in psychiatry affect neurotransmitters in the brain like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemical messengers regulate mood, emotions, and cognitive functions. These medications can improve symptoms, stabilize mood, reduce anxiety, manage psychotic symptoms, improve concentration, and promote better sleep.
At Empathidoc Psychiatry, we do not automatically prescribe medications and are very thoughtful about the decision to prescribe.
Some common side effects of psychiatric medications include sleep disturbances, nausea, weight fluctuations and sexual side effects. However, the benefits of medication management usually outweigh potential side effects, and we pay close attention to minimize any side effects. It’s important to note that psychiatric medication management is prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may also include therapy, counseling, lifestyle changes, and other interventions. It is extremely important that medications are prescribed only if needed and always in a rational and conservative way. Regular monitoring and follow-up are typically recommended to ensure the medication’s effectiveness and address potential side effects.
How long someone stays on a medication depends on multiple factors including severity of their symptoms, previous attempts to come off the medications, duration of current treatment and other treatments utilized like psychotherapy. Our goal here at Empathidoc is to meet you where you are and help you reach your goals. We often have clients who decide to continue medications for prolonged periods while some clients choose to work with us to taper off their medications depending on how they are doing.