MEDICATION MANAGEMENT TRAINING
Medication Management
Medication management is the process by which a client is provided means to receive prescribed medication and meet ongoing for maintenance, follow-up, and oversight of the medication prescribed for a client to ensure they are taken properly and achieving their planned, therapeutic outcome.
Components of Medication Management
The use of prescribed medication is a tool that is most effective when used in conjunction with ongoing mental health treatment services and oversight from a prescriber. The prescribing process begins with the psychiatric evaluation with a prescriber. During the evaluation process, clients engage in discussions regarding their history, symptoms, and the determination of the need for medication at that time. Psychoeducation is provided, as well as other preliminary work, including labs, to prepare clients for the initiation or continuation of prescribed psychiatric medications.
It is not mandatory that clients of BTST Services receive medication as part of their treatment process however, clients may meet with a prescriber for an evaluation to discuss the possibility of applied medication management. If the determination is made for ongoing medication services, clients will meet on a regular schedule (generally monthly) to address efficacy, undesirable side effects, ongoing education, monitoring, and consistency with the regimen prescribed. Clients of BTST Services are not permitted to receive medication management services without engagement in therapy services.
Prescribers
BTST employs licensed Psychiatrists and Nurse Practitioners to conduct medication management services.
Benzodiazepines
Medications in this cluster are not prescribed through BTST Services. Clients may request to be prescribed any of the following however, will be offered alternative medications in their place. Employees are not to reassure clients that they will receive any of the following prescribed through a BTST prescriber:
• Diazepam – Valium, Ducene, Antenex.
• Oxazepam – Serepax, Murelax, Alepam.
• Nitrazepam – Mogadon, Alodorm.
• Temazepam – Euhypnos, Normison, Temaze.
• Lorazepam – Ativan
• Flunitrazepam – Rohypnol, Hypnodorm.
• Bromazepam – Lexotan
• Clonazepam – Klonopine
• Alprazolapam – Xanax
Benefits of and Challenges with Medication Management
Medication management can be effective in helping clients to navigate through the treatment process. There is a responsibility on the part of the client to adhere to the prescribed process and to communicate with the prescriber to troubleshoot challenges. Benefits and challenges of the process include:
Benefits:
An effective part of the holistic approach
Can speed recovery
Ameliorates symptoms so that patient can focus on therapy
Improves quality of life
Addresses issues of biology
Challenges
The process may come with side effects
Need for the management of a mental health professional to minimize dangers associated
Finding dosage balances and the right medication regimen can take time
May come with stigma