What Is Medication Management?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 16.5% of adults in the United States take prescription medication for their mental health.

Because these medications are so widely used, professional guidance has become critical. In addition to therapy, board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner Anne-Marie Odo, DNP, offers medication management to help track and adjust your medication as needed at Semper Healthcare Services in Addison, Texas. Learn more below about medication management and its benefits.

What is medication management?

Tracking and optimizing your medications, including their dosages, is crucial. Professional help also makes it much easier. This is where medication management comes in. 

Dr. Odo and our team offer a structured approach to medication management, which involves:

• Recommending the best medications for your mental health needs
• Monitoring your treatment
• Adjusting your medications as needed

Dr. Odo reviews your medical history, current issues, and all your prescribed medications so you avoid any negative interactions.

Benefits of medication management

Choosing the best medicine for your particular situation remains critical. Medication management helps you:

Improve symptoms

By overseeing your medication and dosage, Dr. Odo helps improve your symptoms and day-to-day functioning.

Support your overall treatment plan

A structured approach enables us to ensure your current medication fits well with your overall therapy.

Prevent side effects

Medication management helps you avoid drug interactions that could harm both your physical and mental well-being. Dr. Odo tracks your progress and recommends changes to your medication as needed. She lets you know which medicines must be discontinued gradually to prevent further complications. 

Frequent check-ins help you remain conscientious about taking your prescribed drugs, resulting in better overall outcomes.

Medications used in mental health

Mental health drugs fall into six major categories:

• Antidepressants to treat depression, anxiety, and certain personality disorders
• Mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder
• Depressants to calm you
• Antipsychotics to restore your brain's chemical balance for schizophrenia and more
• Anxiolytics for anxiety disorders
• Stimulants to improve attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Each is meant for specific problems and must be taken as directed. Side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Cramps
• Loss of sex drive
• Sleep problems

While some of these may go away on their own, these issues should be monitored. Dr. Odo may alter your dosage or change your prescription entirely. 

Tips on taking medication

It’s important to follow general guidelines when taking prescribed medications, such as:

• Store them properly in a dry, cool location.
• Keep them out of reach of children with childproof caps as needed.
• Never share prescription medications. 

Dr. Odo lets you know how your medications may interact with alcohol and other prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Medication management helps

Because your mental health medications may interact with any other supplements you take, it’s crucial to track them all. We inform you when it’s best to take your medications to reduce any unwanted reactions, such as stomach upset.

When you’re ready to get help, Dr. Odo and our team offer therapy and medication management to safeguard your mental health and well-being. Call our office at 469-746-3114 or request an appointment online today.