Medication Management

What is medication management?

Medication management is the process of prescribing medicine and monitoring its effectiveness. Many patients need to try several drugs before finding the right prescription to relieve their symptoms. 

The team at Live Well Psychiatry uses an extensive assessment to collect the information they need to prescribe the right medication the first time. Their goal is to help you feel better as quickly as possible.

You have your first follow-up medication management appointment approximately a month after you begin to take your medicine. Depending on how you respond, your provider might schedule another appointment a month later, or you may be able to go longer between appointments. 

What happens during a medication management appointment?

The team at Live Well Psychiatry uses research-level diagnostic interviews to correctly diagnose your condition, which helps them select and prescribe a medication that is most likely to relieve your symptoms. Fewer than 5% of clinical psychiatrists use these extensive, scientifically-backed surveys. 

You complete validated rating scales for depression and anxiety at every appointment, and your answers allow your provider to monitor your response to treatment in more detail and adjust your prescription if necessary. 

After you complete these surveys, you meet and review your survey responses with your provider. They ask about your symptoms and overall health and well-being. If you have any concerns about your treatment, make sure to bring them up during these appointments.

How do I know if my medication is working?

The team at Live Well Psychiatry can help you understand the normal range of both positive and negative emotions. They provide treatment to help you reach this range using scientifically-backed rating scales for depression and anxiety. You complete forms at every appointment, and as your ratings decrease, it shows that your treatment is working.

You should also start to feel better. You might find that you don’t lose your temper as quickly or you feel less irritable. Medication needs some time to take effect, so stay patient and be honest with your provider about your experiences. 

If you have a mental health condition and are looking for expert, research-based medication management services, call Live Well Psychiatry.