Medication Management
What is Medication Management?
Medication management can be an important component of healing and ongoing well-being. Sillon Wellness Services is dedicated to providing an individualized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and we are committed to establishing exceptional care throughout your healing process. Medication can be a long term necessity or a temporary measure to provide much needed relief; We will work together to determine the best path forward based on your goals and treatment needs. We offer an on-site psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse practitioner that work with you to evaluate symptoms and prescribe medications as needed while monitoring progress and working towards goals.
Are You A Candidate For Medication Management?
Medication is a highly personalized experience, and it’s important to have the right support behind you when determining if medication is for you. Our providers are committed to working with you to find a plan that meets your unique needs. Mental health medication may be considered depending on the type and severity of symptoms, alongside additional information pertaining to your unique circumstances. If symptoms are becoming a burden, and therapy alone is not providing enough relief, pursuing medication is a reasonable and common next step.
The best way to know if you’re a candidate for mental health medication is by visiting with an experienced, licensed provider to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and long-term goals. Whether you’re new to medication or have tried it in the past, we’re here to provide education, support and thoughtful care to help you feel your best.
Types of Mental Health Medications
Medication for mental health can vary depending on the specific diagnosis. They may include:
Antidepressant
- About Antidepressants – Antidepressants can be used to treat depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and more.
- How Antidepressants Work – Antidepressants work by targeting a broad range of both mental and physical symptoms by increasing chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and/or norepinephrine. The most commonly prescribed antidepressants fit under the categories of SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), SNRI (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor) and NDRI (Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor). These medications take time to fully work, with improvements becoming more apparent over time.
- Side Effects of Antidepressants – The side effects of antidepressants are typically mild and temporary, but may include headaches, nausea, insomnia or sexual dysfunction.
Anti-Anxiety Medications
- About Anti-Anxiety Medications – Medication is also often used to combat anxiety disorders, panic disorders and sometimes insomnia. The gold standard medication for anxiety include SSRIs and SNRIs, the same family as medications given for depression.
- How Anti-Anxiety Medications Work – As described above, SSRIs and SNRIs work by altering chemicals in the brain, balancing them out and relieving both physical and mental symptoms.
- Side Effects of Anti-Anxiety Medication – The side effects of anti-anxiety medication are typically mild and temporary, but may include headaches, nausea, insomnia or sexual dysfunction.
Stimulants
- About Stimulants – Stimulants are often prescribed for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), binge-eating disorder and sometimes depression.
- How Stimulants Work – Stimulants work by increasing chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, speeding up the communication between brain neurons and circuits to work more efficiently. This improves focus, attention, impulse control, alertness and mood.
- Side Effects of Stimulants – The side effects of stimulants include insomnia, dry mouth, headaches, increased blood pressure, irritability and more. There is also concern of misuse and addiction, leading to more severe health problems.
Antipsychotics
- About Antipsychotics – Antipsychotics are used to help treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and severe depression.
- How Antipsychotics Work – Antipsychotics work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain to balance out dopamine and serotonin. This reduces symptoms such as delusions, mood swings, hallucinations, agitation and more.
- Side Effects of Antipsychotics – The most common side effects of antipsychotics include weight gain, drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. They have also been known to sometimes cause hormonal changes, sexual dysfunction and tremors.
Mood Stabilizers
- About Mood Stabilizers – Mood stabilizers may be used as part of the treatment plan for bipolar disorder or other mood-related conditions, working to regulate the swings between extreme emotional highs and lows.
- How Mood Stabilizers Work – Mood stabilizers work by affecting brain neurotransmitters such as GABA and glutamate, stabilizing moods to prevent episodes of severe depression or mania.
- Side Effects of Mood Stabilizers – Side effects of mood stabilizers may include weight gain, drowsiness, dizziness, sleep disturbances and digestive issues.
Medication in Collaboration with Therapy
Medication for mental health is often given in collaboration with therapy. While medication works to reduce symptoms and regulate mood, therapy provides deep insight into the core issues while providing the tools needed to move forward. While both therapy and medication can be used individually to provide mental health relief, often combining the two will allow for a more efficient and effective treatment that provides short-term improvement while working toward long-term happiness.
Find Out If Medication Management Is Right For You
Taking the first step toward addressing your mental health is a meaningful and commendable decision. Exploring medication management alongside therapy can be an important part of building the life you want to lead. There’s no reason to walk the path alone – we’re here to help.
If you’re looking for compassionate, research-backed mental health care that takes your best interests to heart, Sillon Wellness Services is happy to offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to determine if we’re the best fit for you. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.