Medications
Brain and Behavior psychiatrists utilize a conservative medication prescribing philosophy. Patients are maintained on as few medications, and on as low a dose, as possible. In fact, some patients may not be clinically indicated for medications in their treatment, but will still have ongoing evaluation for medications at each encounter by their psychiatrist. Further, Brain and Behavior psychiatrists follow evidence based medicine practices regarding Sedative-Hypnotic Medications.
Brain and Behavior psychiatrists utilize a conservative medication prescribing philosophy. Patients are maintained on as few medications, and on as low a dose, as possible. In fact, some patients may not be clinically indicated for medications in their treatment, but will still have ongoing evaluation for medications at each encounter by their psychiatrist. Further, Brain and Behavior psychiatrists follow evidence based medicine practices regarding Sedative-Hypnotic Medications.
Brain and Behavior psychiatrists generally attempt to prescribe medications appropriate to his/her area of expertise within psychiatry, and often check the state prescription monitoring program before seeing patients and generally before prescribing controlled substances.
Brain and Behavior psychiatrists generally attempt to prescribe medications appropriate to his/her area of expertise within psychiatry, and often check the state prescription monitoring program before seeing patients and generally before prescribing controlled substances.
Patients should be aware of the following:
Patients should be aware of the following:
1) Brain and Behavior psychiatrists generally prescribe only LIMITED, short term supplies of sedative-hypnotic medications such as Ativan (Lorazepam), Valium (Diazepam), Klonopin (Clonazepam), Ambien (Zolpidem Tartrate) or Lunesta (Eszopiclone). If clinically indicated, these medications are prescribed in limited amounts, such as one to two weeks, temporarily, and are not generally continued long term after the initial prescription is provided to the patient. Long term daily use of these medications will likely not be started or continued even when started previously by another prescriber.
1) Brain and Behavior psychiatrists generally prescribe only LIMITED, short term supplies of sedative-hypnotic medications such as Ativan (Lorazepam), Valium (Diazepam), Klonopin (Clonazepam), Ambien (Zolpidem Tartrate) or Lunesta (Eszopiclone). If clinically indicated, these medications are prescribed in limited amounts, such as one to two weeks, temporarily, and are not generally continued long term after the initial prescription is provided to the patient. Long term daily use of these medications will likely not be started or continued even when started previously by another prescriber.
2) Daily and/or higher doses of sedative-hypnotic medications are NOT generally prescribed at any time.
2) Daily and/or higher doses of sedative-hypnotic medications are NOT generally prescribed at any time.
3) Brain and Behavior psychiatrists do NOT generally prescribe medications in the following classes as these medications are prescribed by those with expertise or board certified training in psychiatric subspecialties (specialities in psychiatry such as child and adolescent or addiction):
3) Brain and Behavior psychiatrists do NOT generally prescribe medications in the following classes as these medications are prescribed by those with expertise or board certified training in psychiatric subspecialties (specialities in psychiatry such as child and adolescent or addiction):
stimulants such as Adderall (Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
stimulants such as Adderall (Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
opioids such as Suboxone (Buprenorphine)
opioids such as Suboxone (Buprenorphine)
These medications will likely not be started or continued even when started previously by another prescriber.
These medications will likely not be started or continued even when started previously by another prescriber.
4) Brain and Behavior psychiatrists do not generally prescribe medication on the initial consultative evaluation visit. The first visit is only an evaluation to see if it is appropriate to establish a treatment relationship.
4) Brain and Behavior psychiatrists do not generally prescribe medication on the initial consultative evaluation visit. The first visit is only an evaluation to see if it is appropriate to establish a treatment relationship.
6) Established patients may request medication refills through our patient portal. Brain and Behavior psychiatrists do not respond to pharmacy refill requests.
6) Established patients may request medication refills through our patient portal. Brain and Behavior psychiatrists do not respond to pharmacy refill requests.
7) Brain and Behavior psychiatrists check the state Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) before prescribing controlled substances. The PMP provides a record of the controlled substances dispensed to an individual.
7) Brain and Behavior psychiatrists check the state Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) before prescribing controlled substances. The PMP provides a record of the controlled substances dispensed to an individual.