Medication Management

Stephanie Blanshan, PMHNP, FNP, and the team at Resonance Psychiatry approach medication management as a collaborative enterprise with their patients. They provide comprehensive evaluations to determine the best available medical treatment for a variety of psychiatric conditions. For an evidence-based and cooperative plan for medication management, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is involved in medication management?

Many mental health conditions benefit from a combination of treatments that include talk therapy, counseling, and medication. If you’ve been prescribed drugs to overcome anxiety or depression or to help you deal with a dependence on illicit substances, your provider will carefully monitor your prescription and dosage to make sure it’s right for you and doesn’t have any negative effects on your health. 

They also make sure you understand your dosage and exactly how to use your prescription, as well as answer any questions you have about your medication regimen. 

What are the first steps in medication management?

The first step for successful treatment with medication is a comprehensive telehealth assessment in which your symptoms, medication history, and needs are evaluated. If your provider at Resonance Psychiatry determines that medication should be part of your treatment plan, they can use pharmacogenomic testing to determine your ideal prescription. Pharmacogenomic testing evaluates how your genes may affect the outcomes of specific medications, including how well they will work for you and whether you’re at a greater risk of side effects.

Resonance Psychiatry has partnered with GeneSight® to successfully conduct this testing for several years and has found it an important and useful clinical tool for medication therapies. 

Once the right type of drug is identified, they can determine dosing and frequency so that you get optimal mental health support.

What types of drugs require medication management?

Many types of medications are prescribed in a mental health setting, depending on your particular needs. These may include:

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are used to manage depression and may also help in some cases of insomnia or anxiety. These medications are commonly prescribed and have an excellent safety profile. However, coming off of these medications suddenly or too quickly can cause negative effects, so management is key.

Anti-anxiety medications

Anti-anxiety medications can reduce the frequency and severity of generalized anxiety and panic attacks, often associated with worry or fear. These medications are effective, but some have risks of tolerance or dependence, so having a provider who understands these medications and how they work is important.

Antipsychotics

As the name implies, these medications can treat psychiatric conditions with symptoms such as paranoia or hallucinations. However, many newer antipsychotics can also be very effective treatments for depression or bipolar disorder, often used in combination with an antidepressant or mood stabilizer.

ADHD medications

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications include both stimulant and non-stimulant types of medications. These medications can vary greatly in terms of effect and duration, and it is important to balance these needs with the risk of side effects and dependence with some medications. However, when prescribed and used appropriately, medications for ADHD can significantly reduce symptoms and improve everyday functioning.

Suboxone® and Vivitrol®

These medications are approved for the treatment of certain substance use disorders and also require specific training in prescribing and administering, which the clinicians at Resonance Psychiatry have extensive experience with.

Suboxone can be used to treat opioid dependence by interacting with the opioid receptors in your brain. This will both treat opioid withdrawal and prevent getting a high from further use of narcotics. This medication can also be administered in a monthly injection called Sublocade.

Vivitrol is a monthly injection that is effective for people with opioid and/or alcohol dependence. It works by blocking opioid receptors, which results in reduced cravings for alcohol or opioids, as well as muting the euphoric feelings associated with opioid use and drinking.

To find out if you’d benefit from medication management as part of your mental health treatment plan, contact Resonance Psychiatry. Call the office or request a medication management appointment online today.