It is natural to feel hesitant about starting medications to treat your behavioral health condition. Having a mental health condition is hard enough without the burden of fearing how medication might change your brain or leave you with harmful side effects.
While it can feel daunting, medication is the leading treatment option for several behavioral health conditions because of its effectiveness. Whether your experience is marked by transformational changes or negative side effects largely depends on how well your medication is managed. The medication management services our providers offer in the Tampa area ensure you receive the right medications at the best dosage to minimize side effects and help you feel your best. During your initial appointment, our mental health providers at our Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Brandon locations will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Medication management refers to selecting, dosing, and adjusting medications for optimal results. For diagnosed mental health conditions, psychiatric medications should be prescribed by a board-certified psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or, in some cases, a physician assistant with specialized training. These providers have studied the pharmacology of psychiatric medications and understand how they interact with your body and other medications. Medication affects each individual differently, so treatment should be personalized to the person, not just the condition. At The Neuropsychiatry and TMS Group, we diagnose psychosis and other mental health disorders, providing comprehensive, compassionate care—including medication management—to help new and existing patients receive the best treatment for their needs.
Effective treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis and understanding your treatment goals. Before starting medication, you will complete a thorough evaluation of your mental and physical health. Finding the right medication is a team effort involving you, your family (if appropriate), and a team of trusted providers. We ensure you have clear information to help make informed decisions about medication, based on the latest research and expected results. Your specific condition and lifestyle needs will guide the choice of the most appropriate psychotropic medication.
Many medications require a period of adjustment before you begin to feel their full effects. During this time, it’s important to carefully monitor your symptoms and any potential side effects. Regular appointments with your care team are crucial, so we can adjust the dosage as needed. Your treatment team will track your progress to ensure the medication is effectively reducing your symptoms and watch for any side effects. If a medication isn’t working as expected, your provider will explore other options to find the best fit for you.
Remember, feeling better doesn’t mean you are cured—it means the medication is working. It’s important to continue your medication as prescribed. Over time, medications can lose their effectiveness, which is why follow-up visits with your provider are necessary to ensure the medication remains helpful and to address any side effects.
At some point in your treatment journey, you may consider stopping your medication. Careful planning and supervision are essential to ensure symptoms don’t return and new side effects don’t appear. Gradually reducing medication, sometimes with temporary support from another, helps make the transition smoother and safer.
No matter where you are in your treatment, our providers are dedicated to making sure your medication plan supports your well-being every step of the way.
