Services / Medication Management
Medication Management
Psychiatric medication management is more than a prescription. It's the careful work of choosing the right medication, starting it safely, watching how you respond, and adjusting over time. shrinkMD does this thoughtfully, with non controlled medications only.
Medically reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA, board certified psychiatrist · Last reviewed June 7, 2026 · Editorial policy
Our approach
Thoughtful, never reflexive
Medication can be a powerful part of treatment, but only when it's the right medication, at the right dose, for the right reason. We start with an accurate diagnosis, then choose carefully and use the least necessary intervention.
Just as important is what happens next. We track your response, ask about side effects, and adjust. Many medications take weeks to show their full effect, so staying in close contact is part of the job.
How it works
How medication management works here
Accurate diagnosis first
A full psychiatric evaluation comes first, because the right medication depends on the right diagnosis.
Careful selection
We choose non controlled medication matched to your symptoms, health history, and side effect preferences.
Safe start and monitoring
We start low, go slow when appropriate, and watch closely for results and side effects.
Adjust over time
We refine the plan as you respond, aiming for full benefit with minimal side effects, and the same clinician over time.
Good medication management is a relationship over time, not a one time script.
Responsible by design
Why we don't prescribe controlled substances
Our model is built around safe, evidence based, non controlled medication. That's a deliberate clinical and ethical choice.
- We don't prescribe stimulants like Adderall for ADHD.
- We don't prescribe benzodiazepines like Xanax or Klonopin.
- We don't prescribe sleep sedatives like Ambien.
- We focus on treatments that work well and are safe for ongoing virtual care.
This keeps care responsible and sustainable, and it's one reason families and referrers trust shrinkMD.
How we choose
The thinking behind every prescription
Choosing a medication is a clinical decision with real reasoning behind it. We weigh your specific diagnosis, your past medication trials, how close family members responded to medications, side effect profiles, interactions with what you already take, and your own priorities, whether that is protecting sleep, weight, energy, or focus.
The classes we work with include SSRIs and SNRIs for depression and anxiety, mood stabilizers for bipolar spectrum conditions, atypical antipsychotics where indicated, and non controlled options for sleep. There is rarely one right answer, so we explain the tradeoffs and decide together.
Side effects
Handled like adults, not an afterthought
Most early side effects, like mild nausea or headache from an SSRI, fade within one to two weeks. We tell you in advance which effects are expected and temporary, which deserve a message to us, and which mean stop and call.
If a medication is not right, we switch strategically rather than stacking. And we never want you stopping abruptly on your own, because several psychiatric medications cause real discontinuation symptoms. A planned taper is almost always smoother and safer.
Myths and facts
What patients often get wrong about medication
Myth: Antidepressants change your personality.
Fact: Effective treatment does the opposite. Patients describe feeling like themselves again. If a medication makes you feel flat or not yourself, that is a dosing or selection problem we fix.
Myth: Once you start medication, you are on it for life.
Fact: Many patients take medication for a defined season of treatment, then taper off with a plan. Some conditions do warrant long term medication, and we are honest about which is which.
Myth: A higher dose always works better.
Fact: Every medication has a range where benefit outweighs burden. Sometimes the right move is down, sideways to a different agent, or adding therapy rather than milligrams.
Keep exploring
Related care and next steps
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
Good questions, clear answers
What medications do you prescribe?
Evidence based, non controlled psychiatric medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, bupropion, buspirone, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics, matched to your diagnosis.
Do you prescribe Adderall, Xanax, or other controlled substances?
No. We do not prescribe controlled substances, including stimulants, benzodiazepines, or sleep sedatives. Our model focuses on safe, evidence based, non controlled treatment.
How often will I be seen?
After your initial evaluation, follow ups are scheduled based on your plan, more often while starting or adjusting medication, and less often once you're stable.
Can you manage medication a previous provider started?
Often, yes, after a full evaluation. We'll review your history and current medications and build a plan to continue, adjust, or change as clinically appropriate.
How often will I meet with my prescriber?
Typically every two to four weeks while starting or adjusting medication, then every one to three months once you are stable. Your cadence is set by your response, not a fixed schedule.
What if my medication is not working or has side effects?
Tell your clinician, not just the refill line. Dose adjustments, timing changes, or switching medications are normal parts of treatment, and virtual follow ups make those changes fast.
Do you prescribe controlled substances like Adderall or Xanax?
No. shrinkMD does not prescribe controlled substances. This policy keeps care safe, evidence based, and consistent across every state we serve, and we are transparent about it before you book.
Can you take over prescriptions from my previous psychiatrist?
In most cases yes, for non controlled medications. After an initial evaluation and records review, your clinician can continue, adjust, or rethink your current regimen.
Get started with medication management
The right medication, managed well, can change everything. Choose your state, complete the intake, and book your evaluation online.
Join Our Waiting List