| | Medication Information:
Tips For Taking Medications
Gather
information about the medications and their side effects so you can feel
confident making an informed final decision about what to take.
Information can be obtained from your pharmacist, your psychiatrist or online.
Find a
psychiatrist who is able to listen to your concerns about taking medications and
who seriously considers all side effects.
It is
appropriate for you to know whether you prescribing psychiatrist has experience
working with trauma survivors and if he or she is familiar with the latest
treatment strategies. Ask him or her directly.
You are the
only person who decides whether a side effect is tolerable. If you feel
your complaints are being minimized routinely, it may be time to find another
psychiatrist.
All
medications take time to work. Find out the anticipated length of time for
what you are taking.
Never take a
medication simply because you are told to do so. Make sure you get enough
information about the drug's use and its potential side effects to allow you to
feel comfortable taking it.
Keep records
of medications you have taken, their durations, dosages and effects. If
changes need to be made in the future these records will help remind you of your
experiences. |
