What is Medication Management?
Medication management is a collaborative approach with a psychiatrist or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), often used alongside therapy and psychiatry, to ensure you get the most out of your mental health treatment.
Orlando Premier Psychiatry provides medication management to those with conditions that can benefit from mental health medications, such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and more.
With expert prescription medication management, your psychiatrist or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner can monitor your medications, adjust dosages as needed, and work to improve your treatment outcome.
As part of our integrated care and commitment to your well-being, Orlando Premier Psychiatry provides expert medication management in Florida and Virginia, for adults and children.
How Does Medication Management Work?
Medication management includes reviewing your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and goals, while working with other providers on your medical care team, including your therapist, primary care doctor, or OB/GYN. Together we build a complete picture of your overall health. Treatment outcomes for conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, Bipolar Disorders, and other co-occurring conditions can often be improved by combining therapy with medication.
Your board-certified psychiatric provider will also ask you about any prescription medications you have taken or currently take, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.
During your appointment, we’ll discuss your medication options, including potential outcomes and side effects, taking into consideration any unique factors including preferences, diagnosis, symptoms, and physical health.
When you agree on a medication, your board-certified psychiatric provider will discuss proper dosages with you, and issue your prescription.
Your board-certified psychiatric provider will continue to monitor the medication’s effectiveness with regular check-ins. During follow-up appointments, you will discuss how you’re feeling, any changes in your symptoms, and any side effects you’re experiencing. Based on that information, they may adjust dosages, recommend a different medication, or continue with the same medication and dosage. Additional recommendations or referrals can be made at any time by your psychiatric provider for talk therapy, lifestyle changes, or alternate therapies like TMS Therapy.
Can Medication Management help me?
If you’re living with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or other mental health conditions, or you are experiencing stress or grief, and other approaches like therapy have not helped, medication management can be a great addition to support your mental health.
Medication management can be a powerful way to increase your quality of life, while ensuring safe and effective treatment for your mental health. Medication can significantly improve your mental well-being. With the right medication, it is possible to minimize or have little to no side effects or “fogginess” as a result.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the benefits of medication management?
- Improved quality of life: Psychiatric medication can significantly improve your quality of life by managing your symptoms and allowing you to live a more active and fulfilling life.
- Reduced side effects: A healthcare professional can monitor your medications and adjust dosages or recommend alternative medications to minimize side effects.
- Improved treatment outcomes: Medication management helps ensure you take the right medications at the correct dosage and time of day to manage your symptoms or condition effectively. This can lead to significant improvements in your health and well-being.
- Reduced hospitalizations: Proper medication management can help prevent complications from your condition, leading to fewer hospital visits and admissions.
2. Who manages my medication?
Only licensed medical professionals (psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners) can prescribe medications. They also monitor and manage your medication once treatment begins.
3. What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed four years of medical school residency training in psychiatry. They can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, provide psychotherapy (talk therapy), and perform other medical procedures as needed.
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is a registered nurse (RN) who has earned a Master of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in psychiatric mental health.
Both can prescribe medications for mental health treatment.
4. Is medication management right for me?
5. How long does it take to find the right medication and dosage?
6. What happens if my medication doesn't work or has bad side effects?
7. Is medication management confidential?
What can I expect from Medication Management at Orlando Premier Psychiatry Behavioral Health?
It all starts with a conversation – we’ll discuss your physical and mental health history and review any diagnoses. And if applicable, take a deep dive into your current medications (and any you’ve tried in the past.)
A psychiatrist or PMHNP will then review recommended medications with you and discuss the benefits and outcomes of taking a specific medication in tandem with therapy.
We’ll also call your prescription into your preferred local pharmacy for you – and we will schedule frequent check-ins to assess the effectiveness of your medication. Online medication management check-ins may also be available in certain locations.
If your insurance covers mail-order delivery, you may also have your medications delivered to your home by mail.
