Recently I have been impressed by the Psych clinic I attention. It has adopted a series of new policies to help with patient education and care.
I had a routine visit with my shrink yesterday and when I checked in I was given an informed consent for. Basically it stated ...
Patients should be aware that nearly all psch meds can lower blood pressure, cause dizziness and affect heart rates and rhythms.
Many of the psych meds have moderate to sever withdrawals.
Whenever possible this clinic will try non-addictive medications as a first line of defense and try to avoid the use of addictive meds with heavy withdrawal. Due to the ease of addiction to benzodiazepines they will only be used as a last resort and in small quantities for a short period of time.
It also goes on to tell patients not to self adjust doses, share medication, watch for and report side effects...etc.
There are other drug safety information on the document as well.
I think this is an excellent idea and should be done at all psych facilities.