How do psychiatrists know how much of a medication to prescribe?

Question

Do they decide based on weight? Do medications come with a prescription recommendation to start with?

Answer 1

yes to both of your questions, manufacturers have recommended dosages and many are prescribed by body weight.

Answer 2

Its a little big of all of the above - most medications come with a suggested started dose and weight will affect the amount some people need to take. They also take into account your past medical history, your overall health - physical and mental, past reactions to other medications, if you're on any other medications (ie the pill or anything really), your life style and the likely side effects and interference the medication could have on your life.

Adjustments may need to be made to dosage as weight is gained or lost or circumstances change or maybe a whole new drug will be chosen if the first medication was ineffective or had severe side effects. This is not an uncommon occurrence and happened to me several times before a suitable medication regime was found.

Answer 3

There is a book called "The Physicians Desk Reference that has all medications listed. Each drug has a suggested starting dose, possible side effects, possible drug interactions, what the drug is used to treat among other things. Check it out. Best Wishes

Answer 4

there are many variables that go into such a decision, the best way to answer your question is to ask the psychiatrist.