Random!
What is 1 thing that can help you remember to take your medications every day?
Pill box / pre-built bubble packs
Alarm
Friend or family member
How often/when do you take a medication that is dosed "PRN"?
As needed
PRNs are to be used when specific symptoms occur
Fun fact: PRN stands for 'Pro Re Nata', a latin term that translates to 'as needed'
What is the definition of medication side effects?
What is: undesired effects of medication / not the medication's intended purpose.
What is the amount of medication to take at one time called?
What is:
Dose / Dosage
When starting a new medication, how soon should you see results?
What is: Up to 6 weeks after starting the medication.
Some medication takes as little as days to take effect, but others may take weeks before you notice that it is working. Allow the medication time to take effect before determining that it does not work.
What should I do if I start experiencing side effects?
What is: Tell your doctor or pharmacist
Depending on the medication and side effect, your provider may change the medication to one that will help with symptoms but relieve side effects.
Some side effects can go away on their own, without needing to stop the med
True/False: You need a prescription from the doctor to buy OTC medications
False!
OTC medications can be bought 'over the counter'
True/False: If my symptoms go away, I can stop taking my medications (explain)
What is: False.
The symptoms have stopped or lessened because of the medication along with other treatment. Stopping the medication will not prevent the symptoms from coming back.
What are some examples of common side effects?
What is: drowsiness, blurred vision, increased or decreased heart rate, dry mouth, nausea
Side effects can be different for each medication. Let your doctor know if you notice side effects that bother you.
St. John's Wort, valerian root, echinacea, and ginseng are examples of _______ supplements
Herbal
Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking an herbal supplement, since some have major drug interactions with mental health medications
What do you do if you miss a dose of medication?
What is: make a note to tell your doctor, wait until the next dose (unless it is only a little late)
Do not: double up on the next dose to make up for the missed dose, take the medication when you realize you missed it if it is already too late.
True/False: I take the same medication as my friend does. My friend stopped the medication because she started having blurred vision. I have not experienced this side effect, but I should stop taking the medication before I do.
What is: False.
Not everyone that takes a medication will experience side effects or may experience different side effects from another person that takes the med.
This form of medication can help some people not have to remember to take a pill every day
[Hint: examples include Invega Sustenna, Abilify Maintena, and Haldol Decanoate]
Long-acting injections
True/False: It's okay if I keep skipping doses of my medication. It's still in my system and I'll take the next dose.
What is: False.
Medication is prescribed at a specific dosage and that amount is needed to serve it's purpose. Skipping a dose lowers the amount of the medication in your system. Even temporarily changing the dose can effect your body's response to the medication or symptoms. Some medications should be taken more serious than others. Ask your doctor if you are unsure.
I noticed that one of my new medications makes me very sleepy during the day. My doctor told me to take it 1 time daily, so I have been taking it in the morning with my other meds.
To stop this side effect, I could try taking that medication at ______ .
Bedtime / night
Some daily medications that make you feel tired/sleepy can be taken before bedtime so you won't notice the side effects. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before changing the time that you take your medicine