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Is Medication Necessary?
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Often clients wonder if
medication is "necessary" or "advisable" in their recovery from emotional
distress. Needless to say, opinions about this may range the entire
spectrum from medications are never advisable to recovery is not
possible without them. The question itself is complex enough to
require a whole host of details about each particular person. Because of
this, questions about medication need to be addressed very carefully with
medical professionals and allied health professionals you trust and who know you
well. With the advent of direct marketing and advertising to consumers
about medications, the public is being "invited", as it were, to participate in
greater measure regarding choosing medications which may enhance their quality
of life. |
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Below are some conclusions I have arrived at working
with physicians and patients regarding
psychotropic medications.
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- DO
expect medications to be adjusted.
Prescribing medications is not always an exact science - trial, error, and
adjustment are sometimes necessary. Because each person's body chemistry
is unique, different though similar types of medication may need to be tried.
Different potency and dosage ranges allow medications to be titrated up or
down. Persons expecting a perfect hit or I quit approach to
medications are only fooling themselves.
- DON'T expect
medications to necessarily work immediately. Unlike television
commercials for pain relievers that promote a magic bullet approach to pain
relief, some psychotropic medications require several days for significant
symptomatic changes to be observed.
- DO understand that
medications are tools to assist in recovery, not an end in themselves.
Taking medication is not a weakness or failure. Medication is a chosen tool
used by someone to manage a particular
condition or symptom. Research suggests, for example, that the best
treatment for depression is the right combination of medication and type of counseling. Not only does the underlying physical basis of
depression need treated (brain chemistry), the cognitive and behavioral components
of depression which can exacerbate a depressive episode also need addressed
(click
here to see my article on Managing Anxiety and Depression).
- DO
take medications consistently and as prescribed.
While it may seem inconvenient (and costly) to take medication, taking it as
prescribed and consistently is very important (and cost effective).
I have seen persons conclude that their medications are not helpful - but they
have only taken them sporadically or inconsistently! The sabotaging of
treatment by misuse of medications is, unfortunately, not that uncommon.
Avoid stopping medications abruptly without knowledge of your physician -
sometimes this can bring about a "rebound effect" and worsening of symptoms.
Always consult with your doctor before changing any course of therapy.
- DO recognize that
all medications have their own unique side-effect profile. As you
already know, the perfect medication has yet to be developed! Sometimes
we must weigh the benefits of using a medication with the side effects caused
by that medication. Work closely with your physician to find the best
balance between benefits and risks. Side effects are the leading cause
of medication non-compliance. Know what side effects are simply annoying
vs. those which are significant warning signs. Read medication labels
carefully and consult with your pharmacist, physician, and allied health
professionals if you have questions or doubts. Using medication is a
choice and informed choices are usually the best.
Daniel L. Baney,
Ph.D. Psychologist HSPP |
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