3 rules

3 Rules to Effective Medication Use

There are 3 big rules that most experts recommend for using psych medications effectively.

Start low and go slow.

Start low and go slow means to start with a very small dose of a medication and titrate up slowly to avoid un-necessary side effects.

Maximize each medication before adding another.

Push doses to the max before discarding it as a failed med trial. Some people metabolize medications more quickly than others and even small changes can make a huge difference in weather the med works or not.

One change at a time.
If you change more than one thing at a time you'll never be able to tell cause and effect if a med is helping or causing more problems. Make sure to allow enough time for improvements to manifest themselves. Some meds can take up to 8 weeks to show improvement and there are case reports of a first response to Lithium after two years of treatment.

THE FINE PRINT

The information on these web pages is the compilation of parents who are trying to help our kids and in the process help others as well. The information found on this site is intended solely for informational, educational and support purposes only. There are no claims made of medical, legal, educational or other advice nor are there any guarantees implied. Do not make any medication or therapy changes, legal, educational or other decisions based on information found here without first consulting a professional who knows your child and family. Many websites, books and other sources are referenced for information, such reference does not imply endorsement.

Site Map