The Importance of Medication Management

Every year in the United States, healthcare providers write about 7 billion prescriptions, a number that’s increased substantially over the past decade. That includes many medications for depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

Medicine is crucial in helping people of all ages manage chronic and acute health problems. But unfortunately, even simple errors can wind up causing severe and even life-threatening complications.

At Conduit Behavioral Health, Temika Heyward, PhD, FNP, CRNP, PMH, and her team provide medication management services to help every patient enjoy the benefits of their therapies while helping prevent dangerous interactions and side effects. Here, learn how medication management works and how it can help optimize your treatment plan.

Understanding medication management

Medication management involves a cooperative effort between you and your healthcare provider to ensure your medications are optimized and tailored for your needs, with the overall goal of improving treatment outcomes. Dr. Heyward and her team work closely with your other providers to ensure your medication regimen is on track, safe, and effective, even as your needs change over time.

Medication management can be a good choice for anyone taking more than one medication, particularly those with chronic conditions that require ongoing medication therapy. It’s also good for anyone who:

• Is concerned about medication side effects
• Takes over-the-counter medicines or supplements
• Is beginning a new therapy
• Has a new medical diagnosis
• Has issues with organization
• Feels overwhelmed or anxious

It can also be a good option for anyone who has concerns or anxieties about their medications or simply doesn’t want to deal with the hassle and potential risks of managing medication on their own.

What to expect

Medication management begins with a review of your medications, including any over-the-counter medicines or supplements you’re taking. (Yes, even vitamin supplements can affect some medications.)

We’ll discuss your medications with you and answer any questions or concerns you have about their usage or effects, providing personalized education to help you feel comfortable and empowered. We’ll also help you learn to be aware of potential interactions with foods or other medications.

Next, we’ll develop a plan to help you manage your medications, suggesting helpful tools like using pill organizers or setting an alarm on your phone. Finally, we’ll monitor your medications over time, looking for potential side effects and adjusting your doses as needed while ensuring you still receive maximum benefits from your treatment. 

Why medication management is important

Medication management offers plenty of benefits for patients and providers, too.

Reduces the risk of side effects

While medications can be helpful, even over-the-counter products can have side effects many people aren’t aware of. Medication management takes those potential issues into account and adjusts your dosing to help avoid side effects that can make therapy unpleasant.

Makes it easier to stick to your therapy

Reducing side effects also helps you stay on track with your therapy and take your dosage as intended. Our team helps you set up a system that makes complying with therapy simple and hassle-free, avoiding possible issues when doses are forgotten and skipped.

Reduces complications

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) happen when a medication causes unwanted effects, like allergies or even overdoses. By keeping a close eye on your medications and your health needs, medication management reduces the risk of complications so you can focus on feeling your best.

Keeping treatment safe and on target

Medication management is one more tool you can use to make the most of your therapy and enjoy greater peace of mind. To learn more about medication management, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Heyward and the team at Conduit Behavioral Health in Baltimore, Maryland, today.