I. Storage of Medications Keep medications in their original bottles with clearly readable labels. Do not mix different medications in the same bottle. Store medications as directed by the pharmacist. Keep medications out of reach of children because an overdose can be dangerous. II. Side Effects & Risk/Benefit of medications One always must weigh the risks versus benefits of the medications. Most medications have a lengthy list of side effects listed in the package insert. The important thing to remember is this: side effects are possibilities, not certainties and vary from person to person. It is important for you to report any physical or mental discomfort or worsening of your condition to the prescribing doctor. There may be yet unknown or long-term side effects, especially of medications taken over an extended period of time. It is therefore important that you discuss this with your doctor during your regular medication management appointments. It is possible to have an allergic reaction to any medication. This may show itself in the form of skin reactions, breathing difficulties, or other allergic responses. Please seek emergency help at your nearest Emergency Room/ Urgent Care facility. III. Monitoring of blood levels Certain medication requires blood level tests monitoring. This is important for medications where the difference between therapeutic blood levels and toxic blood levels is low. Some medicines require monitoring of liver and kidney functions, electrolytes, and blood counts. IV. Pregnancy and Lactation It is important to avoid pregnancy and breast feeding while you are taking certain psychiatric medications. When you do plan a pregnancy, inform your doctor well in advance so that we can discuss the possibilities of risk to your baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For additional education in this matter, we suggest visiting below URL: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications#part_2364 V. Machinery use & Driving Most psychiatric medications can cause tiredness, sleepiness or a decrease in concentration. You must not drive or operate machinery if your medications affect you in this way. Since there are wide variations among different people in this regard, it is important that you avoid driving or operating machinery until you are quite familiar with how your medication affects you. VI. Medication Interactions To avoid and manage medication interactions it is important to inform ALL your current and new doctors and dentists of ALL your medications, including herbal and over-the-counter medications.  For each medical appointment, please bring an accurate list/bottles of all of medications that you are taking from any doctor. VII. Alcohol & Drugs It is important to avoid any street drugs or alcohol when you are being treated with psychiatric medications. If you use drugs or alcohol, unpredictable and unusual side-effects and reactions may occur. VIII. Overdose Call 911 and Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of overdose. IX. Dosage Instructions Please read the label on the medicine container and make sure you understand exactly how the medication is to be taken. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Please call if there is a difference between what the doctor has told you and what the bottle says. XI. Refills It is important to keep taking your medication unless directed by your doctor to stop. Please make sure to make and keep regular follow-up appointments. In case you run out of medication because of unforeseen problems, please call us for refills till your next appointment. Please note that schedule 2 controlled substances commonly used for ADHD need a new prescription each. XII. FDA Labeling It is not uncommon in the present day psychiatric practice to use medications for different purposes and in different age groups than what the U. S. food and drug administration approved them for. We apply principles of risk/benefit analysis to these situations. This is particularly important for children because few commonly used medications have FDA labeling for children with psychiatric problems. Parents are encouraged to visit: http://www.parentsmedguide.org/