- What dosage(s) of medication
should be taken, and what time(s) of day, and what to do if
you forget to take your medication.
|
- If your medication needs to be
stopped for any reason, how you should go about it. (Never
stop taking your medication without first talking to your
doctor.)
|
- Whether there is a generic form
of your medication available and if it would be right for you.
|
- How often you will need to see
your doctor and how long your appointments will take.
|
- How to change your dosage, if
this is to be done before your next visit.
|
- If psychotherapy is recommended
as part of your treatment, and what type.
|
- The possible side effects of
your medication(s) and what you should do if you experience a
troublesome side effect.
|
- If there are things you can do
to improve your response to treatment such as change your
diet, physical activity or sleep patterns.
|
- How you can reach your doctor in
an emergency.
|
- What alternatives exist if your
current medication isn't helpful - what your next step will
be.
|
- the risks associated with your
treatment and how you can recognize problems when they occur
|
- The risks involved if you are
pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are nursing.
|
| Play an
active role in finding your treatment and managing your
illness. No one knows better than you do how you are feeling
and how your symptoms or the events in your life are affecting
you. Never be afraid to get a second opinion if you don't
feel your treatment is working as well as it should. |
