Medication is one of a variety of ways in which an individual can manage their mental health condition. It is usually prescribed by a GP or mental health professional and can be offered alongside other treatment such as talking therapy. The type of medication prescribed will be determined by the condition and the individual’s needs but it could include:
- Antidepressants.
- Anti-anxiety medication.
- Antipsychotics.
- Mood stabilisers.
- Stimulants.
What to expect from medication
As each medication works differently, and side effects can vary for each person, it can be difficult for carers to know what to expect from medication and whether it is having the desired effect. When an individual is prescribed a new medication, it can be helpful to:
- Read the medication booklet.
- Speak to the GP or consultant who prescribed the medication about what to expect and what to look out for.
- Search online for information using reputable sites e.g. NHS or condition specific websites.
Here are 5 questions which might be helpful to ask a GP, consultant or pharmacist when someone is first prescribed a medication:
- What does this medication do?
- How long does it take for this medication to start working?
- What are common side effects of taking this medication?
- Is there anything that they need to do or avoid whilst on this medication?
- Are there any side effects we should look out for which we should let you know about?
When medication has been prescribed, it may take some time to achieve the desired outcome, especially if the dose needs to be adjusted. In some cases, it is about finding the best combination of medications which works well for the individual. When starting on new medications, it can cause a fluctuation in side effects, mood, wellbeing and the mental health condition itself, although these side effects are usually temporary while the individual adjusts to the medication.
During transition onto new medications (or different doses), it can be difficult to know when a change in behaviour is a side effect of the medication or a symptom of the condition. As a carer, it can be hard to know when to raise concerns or request a medication review. To help with this, some carers keep a log of changes in behaviour and what might have triggered the change. Capturing this information over a period of time can help medical professionals determine adverse side effects and what might be causing behaviour changes. They will also be able to offer the right support in relation to the behaviours that may become challlenging to manage.
Taking medication:
Where possible, the individual should be responsible for taking their own medication but in many cases, prompting or encouraging the individual to take their medication may be needed. It can be helpful to encourage the person you care for to take medication at the same time each day so it becomes part of a routine. For example, at breakfast or just before bed. Here are a few other ways carers can support a medication routine:
- Weekly or monthly pill organisers/ dispensers.
- Phone alarms.
- Digital assistants such as Alexa or Siri.
If you have a concern about an individual:
In an emergency:
- Call 111 or in an emergency call 999.
- Speak to the mental health crisis team.
- Take the individual to their local Accident and Emergency Department.
In a non-urgent situation:
- Book a medication review with the GP.
- Contact the mental health practitioner overseeing their care.
Here are 5 top tips from our community of carers on managing someone else’s medication:
- Use a Dossett boxes (or even a Dossett service) for medication to be stored and dispensed from.
- Set alarms on their phones for reminders to have medicines at specific times.
- Use smart devises like Alexa (or similar) as voice activated reminders.
- Add prescription repeat dates into calendars (this would work for paper or online calendars).
- Keep a medicine list somewhere accessible in case of an emergency.