Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Pharmacy Department, Prospect Park Hospital, Honey End Lane, Tilehurst, Reading, Berkshire,, RG30 4EJ
http://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/

Frequently asked questions

Commonly asked questions about prescribed psychiatric medication

There are many questions you may have. We have tried to answer most of the common ones for each of the conditions and for each of the medicines. Not all of the questions have been answered yet for all the medicines and conditions but we're working on it as fast as we can. Look up the question for the medicine or condition you're interested in. We're also keen to hear of any other questions you want answers to as well, so please let us know.

For conditions and symptoms:

For medicines:

  • What is this medicine used for?

  • What is the dose of the medicine?

  • How does this medicine work?

  • How should I take this medicine?

  • When should I take this medicine?

  • How long will this medicine take to work?

  • How long will this medicine need to be taken for?

  • Is this medicine addictive?

  • Can I stop taking this medicine suddenly?

  • What should I do if I forget to take this medicine?

  • What sort of side-effects might occur with this medicine?

  • Will this medicine make me drowsy?

  • Will this medicine cause me to put on weight?

  • Will this medicine affect my sex life?

  • Can I drink alcohol while I am taking this medicine?

  • Are there any foods or drinks that should be avoided with this medicine?

  • Will this medicine affect my other medication?

  • Can I smoke while taking this medicine?

  • And what about illicit drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and opiates?

  • If I am on the contraceptive pill, how will this medicine be affected?

  • What if I want to start a family or discover I’m pregnant when taking this medicine?

  • Will the morning after pill work?

  • Will it affect my periods (menstrual cycle)?

  • Can I breast feed while I am taking this medicine?

  • Will I need blood tests with this medicine?

  • Can I drive while I am taking this medicine?

  • What are the alternatives to this medicine?

  • Why is this medication being considered over other alternatives?

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The Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Pharmacy Service exists to proactively support staff, service users and carers in achieving safe and effective medicines management, optimising the use of medicines by providing a high quality and friendly service. 

We do this by providing:

Pharmacy contact details:

Chief Pharmacist: Marion Walker
Telephone: 0118 960 5076
Email: marion.walker@berkshire.nhs.uk

We have an in-house pharmacy with dedicated specialist pharmacists and technicians based at

Pharmacy Department, Prospect Park Hospital
Honey End Lane, Tilehurst, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 4EJ.

We provide a service to all Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust wards across Berkshire.

General opening hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm. 

Staff across Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have access to an emergency pharmacy service outside of these hours.

Medicines Information

Dispensary and all general enquiries

Deputy Pharmacy manager Tel: 0118 960 5077

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

PALS is a free, informal and confidential patient advice service providing support and guidance across our services. It also assists carers and relatives and recognises their essential role.

PALS staff are available during office hours from Monday to Friday (excluding public bank holidays). An answer phone operates if no-one is available to take your call.

You can contact PALS by:

The Healthcare Library is for:

Please contact the library for more information.
Healthcare Library, Prospect Park Hospital
Honey End Lane, Tilehurst, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 4EJ.

Open Monday - Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm
Tel:  0118 960 5012
Fax: 0118 960 5014
Email: Library.Healthcare@berkshire.nhs.uk