Based on the medication assessment, a diagnosis is made, and a treatment plan is designed with the patient at the center. The medication(s) are discussed and education will be provided on the actions, uses, and side effects of the suggested medication options. When the patient agrees on a medication and treatment option, the medication is prescribed for a trial period to observe the effectiveness. This is the “medication management,” aspect of psychiatric care.
Once you have started taking medication, your treatment provider will plan follow up appointments with you at regular intervals to make sure that your treatment is working and that you are not experiencing any unexpected side effects. It is important to keep your follow up appointments so that you and your care provider can monitor your response to treatment, track your progress, and make adjustments as necessary. Due to how psychiatric medications react differently within a patient’s brain chemistry, the effectiveness of the medications may vary from person to person. Every individual is unique. As your symptoms come into control, the frequency of appointments for medication monitoring will typically decrease.