Medications

• How many refi lls do I have? • What should I look for to know the treatment is working?

• What it is the plan if the medications do not work?

Keep taking all medications as prescribed. Most medications are designed to work best when taken every day over long periods of time. It can be tempting to skip doses when things seem to be going well. This can lead to problems, such as a rapid return of symptoms, and may end up making the treatment less effective in the long run.

It is best to discuss changes in dosage or stopping medication altogether with the psychiatrist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. They can help to discuss options and develop a plan.

• If a dose is missed, call the community psychiatrist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner for advice. • Some medications can be given in the form of a long-acting injection. With a long-acting injection, the medication can be given once every few weeks. In some cases, it may be possible to take the medicine once every three months. Long-acting injections can eliminate the hassle of having to remember to take the next dose. Many people appreciate not having to think about medications as often. Long-acting injections often allow for lower doses of medication over time and can greatly reduce the risks of symptom fl are-ups. The community psychiatrist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner can advise if the medication that you or your loved one is taking is available by injection. • Some medications are prescribed to be taken “as needed.” It is important to take these medications only for the symptoms that they are intended to treat.

The LINC team wants you to be comfortable with medications! The community LINC team knows that medications come with side effect risks — and the psychiatrist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner know of ways to reduce or eliminate side effects. Everyone on the LINC team wants you and your loved ones to feel comfortable with treatment. We encourage you to speak up about any concerns.

Provide or accept practical help with medications. Request or provide assistance with picking up prescriptions or setting up reminders to take medications and request refi lls. Make a calendar, set up

a pill box or set an alarm on the phone to go off when it is time to take a medication.

Provide an accurate, current list of medications and other health information. Every doctor you or your loved one sees will need to review a current and complete medication list. Be sure to carry a complete list of:

• ALL the medications being taken now (not just the psychiatric medications) — and include vitamins, herbal preparations, supplements and over-the-counter medications • ALL allergies • ALL names and contact information for current health care professionals

One of the most important things that you or your loved one can do is to keep track of every

medication taken in the past. Make a list of the dates that the medications were prescribed, the dosages and when the dosages were changed. The list should also include whether or not the medication (or combination of medications) was helpful. If it was helpful, make note of what symptoms improved. If the medication (or combination of medications) did not work, please note if symptoms got worse or there were associated side effects. You or your loved ones are in the best position to track this information, and this medication history can help your psychiatrist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner determine the most effective treatment.

Avoid smoking or using alcohol or non-prescribed drugs, especially marijuana, when taking mental health medications. These can interfere with the effectiveness of the medications and can cause troubling

symptoms.

Do not wait until medications have run out to call for more! When there are about seven days of a medication left, it is a good idea to call the pharmacy and request a refi ll. Some pharmacies have phone numbers that you can call and leave messages about prescriptions that you need refi lled. Be prepared when you call: You will need name, date of birth, contact information, the prescription number on the bottle, the name of the doctor who prescribed the medication, the name of the medication and the dose.

Discard extra medications. When a medication is changed or the amount of medication is increased or decreased, there may be extra medications that are no longer needed. To avoid confusion, do not save extra medications. Check with a community pharmacist about how and where to dispose of medications safely.

Do not go online for information about medications unless a health care professional specifi cally

recommends a site. The internet is full of confl icting and inaccurate information. The psychiatrist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or pharmacist are the best sources of information about specifi c medications and needs.

Date Last Updated:

Name: Date of Birth:

Emergency Contact Name/Phone Number/Relationship to You:

Allergies:

Pharmacy Name, Address, Phone number:

HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS

Name and type of provider:

Phone number:

Name and type of provider:

Phone number:

Name and type of provider:

Phone number:

Name and type of provider:

Phone number:

Name and type of provider:

Phone number: