Medication Management | Denver & Golden
Medication management for depression, anxiety, PTSD,
ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia
Your Journey Towards a Better Day
Improving mental health takes a multi-faceted approach, with psychiatric medications being an option. At A Better Day Psychiatry, we provide evidence-based medication management services tailored to meet your unique needs. Beginning psychiatric care with medication management is a proactive step toward improving your mental well-being.
Medication management is a thorough process that includes carefully tracking how well medications are working, identifying and managing possible side effects, and reviewing any interactions with other medications.
Our experienced and multidisciplinary team is equipped to offer pediatric medication management as part of our pediatric psychiatry program, as well as adult medication management as part of our adult psychiatry program. We will educate you about medication options so that you can make an informed decision that suits your needs. Find the right approach for you with psychiatric medication management in Denver.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Psychiatric Medications
There are various mental health conditions that can be treated or managed with psychiatric medication. These include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Insomnia
- Bipolar Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Behavioral issues associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- PTSD
Our Treatment Options
How Does Psychiatric Medication Management Work?
The Process At A Better Day Psych
Whether you are already on psychiatric medication or not, we will begin with a comprehensive mental health evaluation. During the evaluation, your provider will educate you about the treatment options to foster a collaborative approach to finding the right medication. Ultimately, the decision to start a medication is always up to you.
When starting a medication, the philosophy at A Better Day Psychiatry is to find the lowest effective dose that the patient can be on. In some cases, an individual may have failed multiple medications in the past, and in these cases, it can be helpful to get genetic testing done to increase the chances of finding a medication that will be better tolerated and dosed appropriately.
At A Better Day Psychiatry, our psychiatric medication management services offer numerous benefits, including:
- Improved symptom management and enhanced quality of life
- Safe and monitored approach
- Personalized treatment tailored to your needs
Regular monitoring and follow-up are crucial aspects of medication management.
Improving your symptoms and quality of life is our number one priority during medication management sessions. Whether you’re seeking medication management in Denver or elsewhere in Colorado, our team is dedicated to ensuring safe and effective treatment options.
How Could Psychiatric Medications Benefit Me?
Sometimes therapy alone may not be enough to address the complexities of certain mental health conditions. In these cases, medications may be recommended to offer a comprehensive treatment plan. These medications can help:
- Stabilize emotions and mood
- Improve focus and concentration
- Enhance overall function
- Reduce frequency and severity of symptoms
- Improve sleep
- Enhance quality of life
Medications can also help someone “get over the hump” when feeling stuck or if they are not getting adequate results through therapy or lifestyle changes alone. Medications can help “rewire” the brain when negative thought patterns have become entrenched. Lastly, medications can help normalize chemical imbalances that contribute to mental health issues.
At A Better Day Psychiatry, our psychiatric medication management services offer numerous benefits, including:
- Improved symptom management and enhanced quality of life
- Safe and monitored approach
- Personalized treatment tailored to your needs
What Types of Medications do you Prescribe and Manage?
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are used to treat depression and anxiety. They work by balancing neurotransmitter levels in the brain, particularly serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are involved in mood regulation.
Anti-anxiety Medications (Anxiolytics)
Anti-anxiety medications can reduce the frequency and severity of generalized anxiety, including panic attacks. The first line of treatment for anxiety are antidepressants as described above. Other options to help address anxiety involve medications that impact the autonomic system, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, or lowering heart rate to help with some of the physiological responses to anxiety.
ADHD Medications
Medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include both stimulant and non-stimulant options. ADHD medications vary in their onset of action, duration of effect, and how they are taken. Having a provider who understands these medications and how they work is important. When prescribed and used appropriately, ADHD medications can significantly reduce symptoms.
Antipsychotics (Neuroleptics)
Antipsychotics are prescribed to alleviate symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and agitation, which are characteristic of psychotic disorders often associated with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychotic depression. These medications help regulate neurotransmitter activity in the brain, particularly dopamine, which is believed to play a role in the development of psychotic symptoms.
Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers may regulate levels of dopamine, glutamate, GABA, and serotonin. They can help keep people from getting too depressed as well as too elevated (manic).
Begin your Journey towards a better day.
At A Better Day Psychiatry, we specialize in assisting you or your loved ones in enhancing quality of life despite the challenges. Our experienced providers are dedicated to accurately diagnosing providing comprehensive care tailored to manage symptoms and enhance overall well-being.
FAQs
At A Better Day Psychiatry, we want you to be informed and empowered in understanding the clinical process of medication management in adults and kids. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Medication Management Denver.
What happens if the medication doesn’t work?
If you find that the prescribed medication is not effectively managing your symptoms or producing the desired results, it’s essential to communicate this with your provider. They will work closely with you to reassess your treatment plan, explore alternative medication options, adjust dosages, or incorporate additional therapeutic interventions to better address your needs and optimize treatment outcomes. It is not uncommon during a patient’s treatment plan to try several medications over time to achieve optimal results.
How long will I have to take the medication?
This can vary depending on the person’s response and which medication is being prescribed. For example, with antidepressants, we typically recommend that if it is benefitting the person and is tolerated we expect to be on it for 6-12 months.
Can you help me come off psychiatric medication?
Yes. When coming off of a psychiatric medication it is important to do so slowly and under the supervision of a mental health professional to avoid withdrawals and improve the likelihood of being able to fully come off the medication.
Can Genetic Testing help decide on a medication?
Genetic testing is still a developing technology but one that can be beneficial nonetheless. Genetic testing is usually considered when someone is particularly sensitive to medications or has failed multiple medications in the past. Genetic testing helps determine how fast or slow your enzymes may metabolize certain medications, how different medications may interact with each other, and which medications may be more likely to lead to side effects.
What if I’m already on medication before becoming a patient?
This is not a problem. If another provider prescribed your medication before becoming a patient at our practice we will know this from the intake evaluation. Our medical providers will review your current medication regimen, evaluate its effectiveness, check for interactions, and determine if any adjustments or changes are necessary to align with your treatment goals.
What if I experience side effects from the new medication(s)?
Experiencing side effects from medication can be one of the more difficult aspects of addressing mental health issues, and it is essential to promptly communicate any concerns or adverse reactions with your healthcare provider. They will assess the severity of the side effects, explore potential causes, and determine the appropriate course of action. This may involve stopping the medication, adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or implementing additional strategies to manage side effects while ensuring effective treatment. If there is ever a concern about your safety and overall health from a medication, we recommend you dial 911 or go to an emergency room.
What is the state registry for controlled substances?
The State Registry for Controlled Substances, also known as a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), is a database that tracks the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances, such as certain medications used to treat pain, anxiety, or ADHD. Healthcare providers use the registry to monitor patients’ medication histories, identify potential drug interactions or misuse, and ensure safe and appropriate prescribing practices. It is required that healthcare providers check this registry every time they prescribe or dispense a controlled substance.
What if I need a refill?
If you require a refill of your medication, please contact our office or submit a refill request through our patient portal. Your healthcare provider will review your request, assess your medication needs, and authorize the refill accordingly. It’s important to plan and request refills in advance to ensure uninterrupted access to your prescribed medications. We request that refill requests be submitted at least 3 business days before running out.
Read Our Blog to Learn More
Read Our Blog to Learn More. Explore mental health topics, find helpful resources, and learn how we can support you on your journey to a better day
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