Personalized Psychiatric Medication Management in Tucson
Medication Management
Following evaluation your provider will discuss medication options aligned with your treatment plan to help you achieve your goals while optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
For those with mental health disorders, medication management is often an important part of the healing process when used in an effective way as part of the overall treatment. Psychiatric medications influence the brain’s chemistry that regulates emotions and thought patterns. They are usually more effective when combined with psychotherapy; medicines can reduce symptoms, so other methods of your treatment plan can be more effective.
Medication management also includes the monitoring of medications that a patient takes to ensure compliance with a medication regimen, while also ensuring the patient is avoiding potentially dangerous drug interactions and other complications.
Your provider may recommend a pharmacogenetic testing if you:
- Failed medications or experiencing treatment resistance across behavioral health, pain management, cardiology, or gastroenterology.
- Experiencing adverse drug reactions (ADRs) or chronic conditions requiring polypharmacy.
- Prescribed or being considered for one or more medications where there is a potential genetic risk.
Your Safety is Our Priority
Eastwest Integrated Care has a strict controlled substances policy in place. Your provider may ask for a urine drug screen or a count of pills at any time. Further refills/prescriptions will be tied to monthly follow-ups and completion of random screenings. If the patient does not provide a urine sample, it will count as an unfavorable result leading to immediate taper-off of the current prescribed controlled substances.
These measures are performed for all patients to improve the safety of prescribed controlled substances. We also advise our patients about the following risks:
- Benzodiazepines and alcohol are both depressants that affect the central nervous system. Mixing them can cause serious side effects, such as coordination loss, drowsiness, slowed breathing, memory impairment, overdose, and death. Alcohol can also interfere with the medication’s effectiveness and increase the risk of dependence and withdrawal.
- Alcohol and stimulants are substances that have opposite effects on the central nervous system. Alcohol is a depressant that slows down the body, while stimulants are drugs that speed up the body. Both affect the central nervous system. Mixing them can cause serious side effects and it can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, heart failure, respiratory infections and bronchitis, dehydration, overheating, kidney failure, and overdose.
Consider alternative treatments. Antidepressant medications, non-opioid agents for pain, non-benzodiazepine agents for anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy, complementary medicine modalities, mindfulness, and wellness groups to assist with the withdrawal process and help you deal with symptoms.
Psychiatric Medications and Hydration
Medications can interfere with the body’s internal temperature (thermoregulation), impede the thermoreceptors (nerve endings that detect temperature on our skin and skeletal muscles), and reduce or accelerate sweat production. Body temperature issues may go unnoticed during winter and become apparent only in the heat of summer.
When it comes to psychiatric medications and heat, there are important points to consider:
Heat-related symptoms: Psychiatric medications can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature. For example:
- Increased Sweating: Certain medications may cause excessive sweating
- Reduced Sweat Production: Others might impair sweat production
- Blood Pressure Changes: Some medications slow blood pressure (hypotension)
- Cognitive Impairment: Others can affect cognitive functioning in extreme heat
- Thirst Regulation: Certain drugs promote thirst, while others inhibit it, impacting hydration
Medications to Be Aware Of:
- Antidepressants: Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
- Antipsychotic Drugs: These can also impact thermoregulation
- Anxiety Medications: Benzodiazepines and similar drugs
Tips for Coping with Heat Intolerance:
- Know Your Meds: Understand how your specific medications may affect heat tolerance
- Stay Hydrated: Carry water with you, especially on hot days
- Be Mindful: Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion and take necessary precautions
Know the signs of heat exhaustion
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body is unable to control its own temperature – and can be life threatening. Symptoms include temperature of 103 or higher, pressured breathing, confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, blurry vision, high rapid pulse, throbbing headache, red, hot skin. Immediately hydrate and cool the body’s temperature down with ice or cold packs. Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.
Remember, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider about any concerns related to medications and heat. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. Stay cool!
Telehealth
You can access our behavioral and mental health services in a private practice setting and/or from the privacy and convenience of your home. Virtual visits provide convenient access to your provider through HIPAA compliant video conference using mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers. Through our virtual visits we offer psychiatric services to residents of Arizona and Florida.
If you need acute health care, a follow-up of your treatment plan, a medication refill, or just need support in-between appointments, we have a solution: Telehealth services.
In case of emergency, please call 911 or visit the urgent care center near you.
Behavioral & Mental Health Services:
Your Provider:
Herald Surya – PMHNP-BC APRN
- (520) 308-5289
- info@eastwestwell.com
Behavioral & Mental Health Services: