For a
Psychiatrist, its also a good thing if Pharmacists dispensing medications are
qualified and work with integrity. I will tell you why.
Firstly I
write generic or molecular names of medications instead of brand names. Medical
Council has made this practice mandatory- but that’s not actually the only
reason I follow the practice. I also observed that my patients come from
different areas and the distribution of medication brand-wise is not something
I want to remember. Plus, I also don’t want to be seen as promoting one brand
over another- because frankly I have not experienced any differences other than
price & packaging. However, at the other end if the pharmacist is
unqualified or dumb- they plainly tell patients such medication does not exist
in India. Its happened for very common drugs like clonazepam or lorazepam too.
Pharmacists have an excel sheet with all medications and this usually has only
brand names; they have ‘grown out’ of the habit of referring to the CIMS. I
also don’t know if they have any mandatory continued education to keep up with
new molecules and laws.
Next are
malicious pharmacists who make fun, taunt or plainly misguide the patient upon
noticing that they are on psychotropic medications. This may be through subtle
behaviors like looking wide- eyed, winking or through making brazen comments
like áre you mad to take these medications. Psychiatrist only want to get you
addicted to these’. Nothing can be done other than calling them up and
confronting- if the matter comes to my notice. Mostly patient (who is already
having an inferiority complex and feeling miserable) goes home, thinks about it
and stops medication. There is no proof for such behavior and all that I can do
is to find out which fellow that is and advice my patients not to go there
again. Unfortunately quite a number of pharmacists seem to enjoy this perverse
sport.
Another
pharmacist is a thorough businessman. Initially they cooperate with the patient
and the process is very smooth. Suddenly they start insisting patient order
more medicines and other stuff from their shops- then only they will get
medication. Some of these shops are ‘medication and general stores’. It’s a
vexing problem for the patient- I don’t know what to suggest. Because usually
such shops are the only ones stocking psychotropics in that area.
Most
Pharmacists mind their own business and only do what they are supposed to be
doing. They will just make sure your papers are in order, you have the money
and get on with it. They are not concerned who you are, who your doctor is.
They will go as far as booking an order and home-delivering your medication if
its not immediately available. If something is not ok, they refuse to give you
medication and leave you to coordinate with your doctor and whoever else
required. They go by the rules and believe in just doing their job- which is to
give medication in a way allowed by the Government. They are not for or against
anyone- they know their job and do it well and go home. I am happy to note most
pharmacists are like this. They do their part and I can concentrate on mine.
Some
Pharmacists are a league apart. One pharmacist will not only give medication
but also make sure patient has understood how to take the medicine. Another
maintains meticulous records of how many tablets have been dispensed and once
he informed me of patient’s abnormal approach in this regard and I was able to
inform family and take timely action as patient was becoming symptomatic. Many
pharmacist will phone me and try to understand directly if they feel any doubts
from my prescription. On occasion, I have received a firm chastisement where my
handwriting not clear or spelling is wrong. I like them and respect them.
Like all
groups, ‘it takes all types to make the world’.
