What is Medication Management?
The purpose of medication management is to balance medications and ensure patients get the outcomes they need while eliminating or reducing side effects.
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Medication management is a type of outpatient treatment that involves the initial evaluation of the patient’s need for medications, the provision of a prescription, and ongoing medical monitoring related to the patient’s use of the medication by a qualified psychiatric prescriber.
The practice includes monitoring, reconciling medications, and ensuring patients get the outcomes they need. It requires a thorough review of prescribed drugs and their possible side effects to create treatment plans and monitor their safety and efficacy.
Often, medications are only required for a limited length of time. However, people who have a chronic mental illness may require long-term medication to manage their symptoms. We work with our Raleigh and Triangle-area patients to find the best solution for them.
The Medication Management Process
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You make an appointment for your online telehealth evaluation session
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An initial, comprehensive evaluation to understand your symptoms. What has worked, what isn't working, and what you need.
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Determine if your symptom(s) need to be treated individually or as part of a larger diagnosis
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Based on the evaluation and symptoms, we recommend the appropriate medication(s)
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Set up a schedule for follow-up visits to monitor how your symptoms improve and if medications need any amendment
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Initially, follow-up visits will be more frequent
How to Prepare for Your Raleigh Medication Management Appointment
Preparing for your Raleigh medication management appointment in will help us to better serve you and ensure that you are on the most effective treatment plan possible.
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First, please take inventory of all prescription medications, supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking, as well as the dosages for each. It is also helpful for us to know what psychiatric medications you have taken in the past and how you responded to them.
When you come in for your appointment, please communicate with us openly and honestly about how you are feeling and please let us know if you are experiencing any side effects. This information, along with a comprehensive evaluation, will allow us to develop a personalized medication management plan that meets your unique needs.
We are upfront and honest about what you can expect from your medication therapy. Please ask any questions you may have regarding your treatment.
What to Expect From Beginning With Medication Management
If you’ve never taken medication for mental health issues before or if you're new to medication management, you may wonder what to expect when it comes to beginning this process.
Initially, there will be an assessment by your psychiatric provider to determine if there is a need for medication. This includes providing the specialists in your care with accurate information about your medication and mental health history.
If you already have a diagnosis and are taking medications, your provider will spend time discussing your mental health history, any concerns, your current medicines and how they're working, and any side effects you may be experiencing. If you're starting a new medication, the provider will talk with you about how the medication works, what to expect, and any possible side effects.
During this time you'll also discuss your goals for using psychiatric medications. This includes why you feel you may need them and what you’d like to get out of their use. For example, feeling less anxious, improving mood, enjoying activities again, better concentration, etc.
Why Use Medication Management?
Drug efficacy can vary from one person to the next, but that is what psychiatric providers are experts in. Even though it can seem random, trained psychiatry specialists take into account factors such as medical history, age, and other medications you may be taking to create a treatment plan.
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By working with a qualified provider, patients can be assured that their medications are working as intended and that any potential side effects are being monitored. This level of care is essential for patients who are taking multiple medications or who have complex medical needs. Medication management can help to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Medications are an important component in the treatment of a variety of mental health conditions. The appropriate medication can help to decrease or eliminate symptoms while also significantly improving a patient's quality of life.
Improving Medication Adherence
Medication adherence simply means taking your medications as prescribed. Medication education and counseling can help improve patient adherence, which is why we help find a way to build the use of your medication into your daily life.
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We work to help you develop a healthful relationship with your medication that is centered around safe and proper use. For them to help you to their full capacity, most medications must be taken as part of a routine each day. This can be difficult to maintain, but it is essential to achieving the desired outcomes of treatment.
Our team can help you create a medication management plan that takes into account your lifestyle and schedule to make it as easy as possible for you to take the right medications at the right time.
With our assistance, you can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to stay on track with your medication regimen and improve your overall health.
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Who is Medication Management For?
Medication management is for anyone who takes medication for a mental health condition. This includes medication for conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others.
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It is especially important for people who are taking multiple medications or who have complex medical needs. Medication management can help to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
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Patients who have trouble understanding the effects of their drug regimen
Aside from knowing which medicines should be taken and in what amounts, a patient may not be aware of other aspects of his or her prescribed meds, such as interactions with other medications. Other factors that a patient might not understand about their prescription medications include adverse effects, negative side effects, and other problems that can impede benefits.
This is why a healthcare provider needs to thoroughly address and discuss these potential issues, which is a routine part of medication management.
Patients need to understand their medicines’ purpose, safety, and effectiveness, as well as potential risks from mixing meds with food or supplements. Understanding why one needs to take certain drugs as well as how to take them correctly can also encourage one to take a more active role in managing their meds and their overall mental health.
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Patients who aren’t experiencing the desired outcomes
Despite taking the correct drugs in the correct doses, patients can suffer from health issues or side effects. However, most of the time, it is incorrect dosing or simple negligence that is to blame for psychiatric therapy's failure.
It takes managing a patient's therapy and medication at the same time to prevent this. Tracking someone's medication intake not only makes sure they are taking it consistently, but reduces complications that can arise from misusing medication.
Managing a patient’s therapy and medication plan in tandem can fix this. Tracking a person’s meds intake not only ensures a patient takes meds consistently but also reduces complications arising from habitually misusing medication.
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You may benefit from the medication management services if you need help with your:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Bipolar disorder
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Stress
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Insomnia
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Choosing a Psychiatric Specialist That Uses Medication Management Therapy
Choosing the right mental health specialists to help you through mental health symptoms can be challenging. That's why it's beneficial to work with providers who offer medication management. Choosing providers that offer medication management therapy means you'll be assisted throughout your treatment while taking any medications that may aid in your treatment planning.
At Raleigh Wellness & Behavioral Health, we believe in assisting individuals living with mental health disorders in establishing and achieving mental health wellness goals. That's why we provide telehealth medication management services, to help patients get the security, care, and information they need to take psychiatric medicines appropriately and effectively.
Because our staff believes in addressing both biological and psychological factors when treating mental health issues, we never overmedicate. The objective of therapy is to provide you with the tools and assistance you need so that you can take charge of your health and well-being and live your best life.
If you're in Raleigh or the Triangle area and looking for medication management at a reasonable cost, then you're at the right place. Make an appointment here.
FAQ
What are the benefits of medication management?
Wholesome medication management offers a number of benefits, including:
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Personalization: Your medication plan will be tailored to your individual needs, and your provider will give timely one-on-one assistance.
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Ongoing Assessment: When you start taking medication, regular assessments will ensure that the therapy is working for you.
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Side Effects: Medications sometimes have unwanted effects. However, your provider will inform you about any possible negative effects, address your questions and concerns, and make any adjustments once you begin treatment.
What is medication therapy management?
Medication therapy management (MTM) is a service by healthcare providers that includes five core elements: medication therapy review, medication dose management, medication order review, medication safety review, and patient education. The goal of MTM is to help patients develop and adhere to effective medication regimens that will improve their health outcomes.
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Why is medication management important?
Medication management is important because it means ensuring that a patient is taking the right medication, in the right dose, and treating any symptoms that may occur. Making mistakes with medication can cause unpleasant or dangerous side effects, render the medication ineffective, or even put our life at risk.
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What are the key principles of medicine management?
Patient experience, evidence, safe and effective, routine practice.
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What are the 5 rights of medication management?
The right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time - which are recommendations to reduce medication harm and side effects.
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References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medication_therapy_management
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics/medicines-and-medication-management
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2002.tb04730.x
https://gtmr.org/what-is-the-comprehensive-medication-management-process/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2656/
https://gtmr.org/what-is-the-comprehensive-medication-management-process/
https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/top-challenges-in-medication-therapy-management
https://www.england.nhs.uk/rightcare/useful-links/medicines-optimisation/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29239004/