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Medication Management Is an Effective Tool for Mental Health

therapist explaining to woman why medication management is an effective tool for mental health treatment

Medication management is one strategy used by psychiatrists to assist individuals in coping with mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Your provider will discuss the goals, risks/benefits, and purposes of each medication prescribed. Medication management for mental health is often one component of a comprehensive plan that also involves therapy and regular check-ups with the psychiatrist.

Connections Wellness Group can help you or a loved one realize the benefits of medication management for mental and has locations throughout the Dallas – Fort Worth area. Call 940.360.4245 today to learn more.

How Is Medication Management Effective for You?

It can be difficult to determine if medication management is right for you. There are different types of medications used in treating mental health conditions, and your provider will be able to discuss which medication management is most effective for you. This assessment will be based on factors including your symptoms, diagnosis, and medical history. Determining whether the benefits of medication management are right for you will depend on whether or not you see value in taking medications and whether they improve your quality of life.

Psychiatric Medications

Medications are one tool that your psychiatrist may use to help manage your condition. Medications can be used alone or in combination with other therapies, such as talk therapy, to effectively treat mental health disorders. Understanding medication types will provide insight into how they work and what their intended purpose is.

For example, antipsychotic medications are prescribed for psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), and major depressive disorder with psychotic features (also known as severe depression). They also may be prescribed for people who suffer from Tourette syndrome or Huntington’s disease.

Antipsychotics help relieve symptoms like delusions or hallucinations by working on chemicals in the brain. They can be taken as pills, liquids, or injections, and come in different forms, such as:

  • Atypical antipsychotics
  • Typical antipsychotics
  • Long-acting injectable antipsychotics

Your provider will work with you to determine the best type and dose of medication for your needs.

Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications

As with any medication, psychiatric medications have potential side effects. Some of the more common side effects include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Weight gain
  • Constipation
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness

It’s important to talk to your provider about any side effects you may experience while taking psychiatric medications. Some side effects will go away after a few days, while others may persist or become more severe. If you experience any severe side effects, stop taking the medication and call your provider.

Mood Stabilizers

One medication-management strategy psychiatrists use to treat mental illness, specifically major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia is mood stabilizers. Mood stabilizers are medications that promote a balanced mood by controlling brain chemicals. Some of these medications include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Lithium
  • Valproic acid
  • Carbamazepine
  • Oxcarbazepine
  • Topiramate
  • Zonisamide

Unlike antipsychotic drugs (also commonly used), mood stabilizers do not typically cause significant weight gain or other metabolic adverse effects.

Realize the Benefits of Medication Management with Connections Wellness Group

At Connections Wellness Group, we offer medication management for mental health. Our caring, compassionate staff of professionals will work with each patient one-on-one to ensure that the right treatment plan is implemented to achieve the best results. We have multiple locations across the Dallas – Fort Worth area, so we are accessible to area residents. Our telehealth services allow us to serve people throughout Texas.

If you or a loved one require medication management for mental health, look no further than Connections Wellness Group. We are experienced, caring professionals who can help you or a loved one live a better life. For more information on medication management, call us today at 940.360.4245 or contact us online.