The Importance of Taking Your Medications
Dr. Melissa Perry is a Behavioral Health Medical Director for Highmark. She is a board certified general and child and adolescent psychiatrist. Doctors and providers prescribe medications for various conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, and many other conditions. Taking your medication as prescribed and consistently is very important for mental health and wellness.
Many medications for mental health diagnoses take time to work. Some medications can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to achieve the maximum benefit.
It is important to talk to your doctor or provider if you are having any trouble with your medication or any side effects you may be experiencing. Please work with your provider before stopping or changing any medications on your own.
Not taking your medications as prescribed could lead to your condition worsening, more side effects, and more difficulty managing your condition.
If you have any questions about your medication, please write them down and bring them to your next appointment or call your doctor or pharmacist.
Consider taking your medications at the same time each day as part of a routine such as mealtime (breakfast or dinner), brushing your teeth, or bedtime. You can also use a medication reminder app on your smartphone or tablet.
