Medications

Page posted: 3/6/24

DHS offers strategies, tips and tools for 245D service providers and expanded support teams to use as they support people who take psychotropic medications to make informed decisions about how to initiate and optimize their medications.

Initiating medications

When a person begins to take psychotropic medications or other types of medication, the person’s support team can support the person through:

· Guidance on informed consent.

· Tips to promote understanding.

· A plan for refusal of medications.

· Other strategies.

For more information on initiating medications, refer to Psychotropic Medication Manual – Initiating medications.

Optimizing medications

While a person takes psychotropic medications or other types of medication, the person’s support team can support the person through:

· Data collection and regular reviews of target symptoms and quality of life.

· Identification of the minimal effective dose.

· Support during staffing shortages.

· Other strategies.

For more information on optimizing medications, refer to Psychotropic Medication Manual – Optimizing medications.

Additional resources

Psychotropic Medication Manual
Psychotropic Medication Manual – Appointments
Psychotropic Medication Manual – Mental health interventions and supports