Thoughtful psychiatric medication management.
The goal of medication is to help you feel and function better while keeping side effects as low as possible. Learn about our careful, evidence-based approach to medication.
Start low, go slow, and avoid unnecessary medication.
Some patients come to Premier Psychiatry taking several psychiatric medications at once, a situation known as polypharmacy. When new symptoms arise, it can be worth re-evaluating whether the original diagnosis or dosage is still right before adding another medication.
Under the guidance of Pradeep Thapar, MD, FAPA, our practice takes a careful, evidence-based approach to medication. Our goal is the lowest effective dose that relieves your symptoms while limiting side effects that affect your thinking, emotions, and physical health.
The Premier Medication Standard
- Careful Dose Changes: Small, gradual adjustments to limit side effects.
- Fewer Medications When Possible: Gradually stopping medications you no longer need, with your provider's guidance.
- Genetic Testing: GeneSight® testing, when appropriate, to help inform medication choices.
- Regular Follow-Ups: Visits to review how you feel, any side effects, and whether adjustments are needed.
Using genetics to help inform medication choices.
Why does one medication help one patient but cause fatigue, nausea, or weight gain in another? Many factors play a role, and inherited differences in how the body breaks down medications are one of them.
We use GeneSight® pharmacogenomic testing, when appropriate, to look at how your genes may affect the way your body processes certain psychiatric medications. The report is one piece of information your prescriber weighs alongside your history and symptoms; it informs, but does not dictate, prescribing and cannot guarantee that a medication will work.
Learn more about GeneSight® Genetic Testing →What Testing May Offer
- Can show whether your body may break down certain medications faster or slower than usual
- May help anticipate side-effect risk for some medications
- Simple, non-invasive cheek swab
Conditions We Treat
Medication choices are made with you after an evaluation, based on your symptoms, history and goals. Choose a condition to learn more.