On September 14, 2018 at the KABC Annual Caregiver Training, Pharmacist Tammy Willits provided a comprehensive presentation on psychotropic medications: medications that change how the brain processes information, such as altering mood, thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and behaviors. Tammy reviewed each of the categories of psychotropic medications, including anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, and stimulants and listed the indicated uses and common and less frequent side-effects. Tammy gave an overview of nursing home regulations regarding anti-psychotic medication use, such as the 14 day limit on every order that requires a full safety and effectiveness evaluation before reorder.

Tammy ended her presentation with this about informed consent: “Prescribers have a duty to inform you, but you have the responsibility of being informed. Your body, your life, your decision. Ask questions until you feel you have the information necessary to make the decision.” Read Tammy’s presentation here.