Photo of Valentina Cimolai Md, Psychiatrist in 23462, VA
Valentina Cimolai Md
Psychiatrist, CA, FL, NY, VA
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23462  (Online Only)
Are you wondering what else you can do for your mental health? At Bloom Psychiatry And Wellness, we go above and beyond. We are attentive listeners and caring clinicians. It is important to get to the root causes of the challenges you are facing and tap into your abilities to heal yourself. I am a board-certified psychiatrist in Child/Adolescent Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry, and Integrative Medicine and combine conventional treatments (medications and evidence-based therapies) with a holistic approach that includes lifestyle changes, supplements, and mind-body techniques.
Are you wondering what else you can do for your mental health? At Bloom Psychiatry And Wellness, we go above and beyond. We are attentive listeners and caring clinicians. It is important to get to the root causes of the challenges you are facing and tap into your abilities to heal yourself. I am a board-certified psychiatrist in Child/Adolescent Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry, and Integrative Medicine and combine conventional treatments (medications and evidence-based therapies) with a holistic approach that includes lifestyle changes, supplements, and mind-body techniques.
(757) 530-5703 View (757) 530-5703
Photo of Open Mind Health, Psychiatrist in 23462, VA
Open Mind Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23462  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, isolation, relationship/family issues? At Open Mind Health, we get to the “root cause” of what’s actually leading to your emotional challenges, while treating the resulting issues and developing lasting solutions to help you feel optimistic and hopeful. We offer customized holistic treatment plans in our wellness tracks developed to provide lasting results, Our therapists and life coaches are compassionate and forward-thinkers. Call us today to get started on your path to mental wellness at 855-550-MIND (6463).
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, isolation, relationship/family issues? At Open Mind Health, we get to the “root cause” of what’s actually leading to your emotional challenges, while treating the resulting issues and developing lasting solutions to help you feel optimistic and hopeful. We offer customized holistic treatment plans in our wellness tracks developed to provide lasting results, Our therapists and life coaches are compassionate and forward-thinkers. Call us today to get started on your path to mental wellness at 855-550-MIND (6463).
(619) 949-0858 View (619) 949-0858
Medication Management Psychiatrists

What are the most effective ways to manage medications?

One of the most effective ways a patient can manage their medications is to keep a list of each drug and dosage they take. Such a list can be helpful in keeping to their schedule and can also be something they bring to their psychiatrist or other physician so that the healthcare provider has a clear picture of what they’re taking and in what quantity. Using a pill organizer can be useful for memory and organization. Patients should discuss their medications and their effects at every appointment.

What are the risks if medications are not managed properly?

A suboptimal approach to medication management can lead to potentially harmful health outcomes. Most psychiatric drugs have side effects, and if a patient is not aware of them, they may seek additional medical help or over the counter or prescription drugs to treat the side effects, which may have its own side effects, a process called “prescription cascade.” Another risk to disorganization is that a psychiatrist without full knowledge of a patient’s regimen could prescribe a medication that should not be mixed with a patient’s existing drugs.

What’s the best way to encourage someone to get help managing their medications?

It’s helpful to express concern and love for the person while framing medication management as a tool for improving their life and avoiding dangerous side effects. Offering specific examples of an individual’s failure to properly manage their medication regimen should be done with compassion and with empathy. It may be useful to break management down into parts, and there are several apps that can be used to organize which drugs are ingested, when they need to be refilled, and how they should be stored.

Are there natural treatments that can replace medications?

While there are many medications that can be vital to mental health, there are some natural lifestyle changes that can help reduce the need for drugs. Regular exercise, good sleep habits, a healthy diet, and therapy can all go a long way in symptom relief. Psychiatric medications typically treat symptoms but do not necessarily treat the cause of the condition. Many clinicians consider medications an adjunct to treatment rather than a treatment in and of itself.