Teen mental health treatment can involve medications to help manage symptoms of anxiety, mood disorders, trauma-related conditions, ADHD, substance use disorders, and other conditions. Medication management can be a safe, effective part of treatment, working alongside talk and experiential therapy to manage symptoms.  

At Family First, teens meet daily with a nurse, and at least once a week with a psychiatric provider to monitor symptoms and progress, including any side effects from medications they may be taking. We never change a medication or prescribe a new one without parental education and approval. To learn more about our therapy services, call us today at 888.904.5947 or reach out to us online. 

What Is Medication Management for Adolescents?

Medication management for adolescents is a comprehensive approach to the treatment of mental health or substance use disorders. It emphasizes the monitoring and regulation of medication dosage, adherence, and safety. Medication management plans involve scheduling medication refills, communicating with the psychiatric provider, and monitoring any side effects. This approach is necessary because adolescents may not always take their medication as prescribed or may not understand how their medication affects their bodies. 

Medication management is often an essential part of the treatment for conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. With medication management, healthcare providers can ensure that adolescents receive the right medication to minimize side effects and promote the proper management of physical and mental health conditions. 

What Is MAT?

Medication-assisted therapy is a treatment approach that combines medication and therapeutic interventions to treat opioid use disorders. MAT aims to decrease cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and drug-seeking behavior. 

This treatment requires close supervision from a qualified healthcare provider to monitor side effects, regulate the medication dosage, and assess the patient’s progress. It is often accompanied by psychotherapeutic (talk therapy) interventions to promote long-term recovery. 

For mental health issues, medication management is similar to MAT in that it involves close monitoring of medication intake and progress. However, the focus is on managing symptoms and improving overall well-being rather than addressing substance use disorders. At Family First, we treat mental health and substance use disorders, and medication is just one tool we can utilize to help many teens build the foundation for a better future.  

What Medications Are Used in Treatment?

The medication used in treatment depends on the specific condition being treated. For example, lithium is commonly used for bipolar disorder, while antidepressants can be used for various types of depression. For ADHD, stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall are used. Antipsychotic medications such as Abilify and Seroquel can treat symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar mania. 

Medication-assisted therapy involves using medications like Naltrexone or Suboxone to treat opioid addiction. A healthcare provider will determine whether medication therapy is necessary and will evaluate which medication is appropriate for an individual based on their condition, age, and other personal factors. 

Benefits of Medication Management for Adolescents in Florida

There are five key benefits of medication management for adolescents: 

1. Provides regular monitoring of symptoms, medication, and progress of treatment, allowing healthcare professionals to closely track the patient’s condition and make necessary adjustments as needed. 
2. Ensures medication adherence and minimizes the risk of misuse or overuse, promoting safe and effective use of prescribed medications to achieve optimal treatment outcomes. 
3. Reduces the chances of adverse drug reactions and side effects by closely monitoring the patient’s response to medication and making necessary interventions to mitigate potential risks. 
4. Aids in reducing symptoms and promoting overall mental and physical health, contributing to a better quality of life for individuals managing substance use disorder and mental health issues. 
5. Provides a comprehensive approach to managing substance use disorder and mental health issues, combining various strategies such as therapy, medication management, and support services to address the complex nature of these conditions and optimize treatment outcomes. 

These benefits illustrate the critical role of medication management, especially for adolescents struggling with a substance use disorder or mental health issues. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Medication Safe for Teens? 

Yes, mental health medication can be a safe and effective part of treatment for teens. Not every teen in mental health treatment will need medication, and side effects can occur. Your child’s treatment team at Family First will work closely with you and your teen so everyone understands the risks and benefits of any specific medications—we’ll never adjust or start a medication without having everyone on board. During treatment, our team will closely monitor your child’s progress and any symptoms to make sure they’re on the right track. 

What If My Teen Skips a Dose? 

Skipping some mental health medications can lead to withdrawal symptoms or increase the risk of side effects. They may feel nauseous or have headaches. Talk to your child’s care team about what to do if they skip a dose of their medication.  

What Side Effects Should I Look For? 

Different mental health medications will have different side effects. Flu-like symptoms, along with nausea and headaches, are common. Sometimes, serious side effects like thoughts of self-harm may arise. If this is the case, immediately talk to your teen’s care team about their medication and the thoughts it’s causing.  

When your teen’s care team is talking with you about starting or updating a medication, talk with them about potential side effects. Ask them questions about what you can expect when your child takes the prescription and what is out of the norm.  

When Should I Call a Doctor? 

Call your child’s provider immediately if they are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction at any time, get emergency help. After any crisis or emergency related to your teen’s medication, talk with their mental health team about making adjustments.  

Will My Teen Need Medication for the Rest of Their Life? 

It depends. Some conditions may become manageable without medication after a while. Others may be better managed with medication over a longer time. How your teen responds to the medication, the severity of symptoms, and the presence of any other conditions all play a factor. Your teen’s care team will discuss this with you as your child goes through treatment and make recommendations.

Get Help Today from Family First Adolescent Services

At Family First Adolescent Services, we provide comprehensive medication management and therapy services for adolescents in South Florida. Our team of qualified healthcare providers offers personalized care and customized treatment plans for each of our clients. We strive to promote long-term recovery through evidence-based methods and support our young clients through every step of their journey. If your teen needs help with medication management, a mental health issue, or a substance use disorder, contact us today at 888.904.5947 or online to schedule an appointment.