Psych meds can be tricky to counsel, but confidence with relevant pearls can smooth things over.
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1. Pictured Counselling Cue Card: a free sample of our counselling reference
2. Patient Consultation: exactly what a pharmacist may say to a patient picking up this medication, with formatting to show where the information is coming from on the cue card
Clearly, there are nuances that may not be captured in this format. The goal here is to provide you with an example of how a pharmacist may counsel a patient. Basic counselling tactics (e.g. showing the patient the labeled medication as you read it, having the patient repeat the information in their own words, double checking allergies, and so on) may not be depicted in the interest of keeping the content concise.
RPh: Hi! Is this medication new for you?
Patient: Yes.
RPh: Ok. What has (prescriber) told you?
Patient: They said it would help with my mood.
RPh: Ok. This medication is called ARIPIPRAZOLE, also known as ABILIFY, and you'll take it (as directed), It's in the family of what's called antipsychotics, can be used for things like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, but it can help your mood if you have depression as well. After several weeks, you should see a difference, though it may take longer for the full effect. You may notice some side effects such as trouble sleeping (try taking it in the morning), trembling, and also flu-like symptoms if you stop it too quickly; please let us or your (prescriber) know before stopping this medication. This medication may not be right for you if you have a problem with your heart, metabolism, or if you have Parkinson's disease. Keep it at room temperature.
RPh: Did you have any questions?
Patient: I am pregnant; is this safe?
RPh: Unfortunately, all medications that affect your mood do come with some warnings, so it's important that you've weighed the risks and benefits. Ultimately though, not feeling well is also not good for your pregnancy or your baby.
Patient: Right. My (prescriber) did say they think it's important, given I have been very down in the last while, and I have gone through other options with no benefit. Thank you.
We hope you have found this useful, and please reply to this email with any feedback or topic suggestions you can. It will be the key to making this newsletter the best it can be.
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