North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Units E and F, Chelford Court, 37 Robjohns Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3AF
http://www.nepft.nhs.uk/

Associate Director for Pharmacy: Judith Woolley
01245 546480
judith.woolley@nepft.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?

4.11

The North Essex Partnership (NEPFT) Pharmacy supports service users, carers and staff by providing accurate and independent information and education about medicines. We offer a high quality and friendly service. The Trust has an in-house pharmacy in Chelmsford, and a team of pharmacists and technicians who are based on the wards at Chelmsford (the Linden Centre) , Colchester (the Lakes), Clacton, Harlow (the Derwent Centre) and Epping.

You will find a lot of information about medicines here and it is easy to search what you are looking for: however please let us know if it can be improved.

Pharmacy contact details:

NEPFT Pharmacy, Units E&F, 37 Robjohns Road, Widford, CHELMSFORD, Essex, CM1 3AG
Tel. 01245 315 500
Fax dispensary 01245 256 826 or 853 Fax office 01245 256 948
E-mail nepft.pharmacy@nhs.net

Opening hours Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm. The pharmacy is not on a hospital site so there is no outpatient service unless prearranged with the clinic.

Assocate Director for Pharmacy Judith Woolley 01245 315 507 judith.woolley@nepft.nhs.uk
Pharmacy Manager Gail Hewson 01245 315 504 gail.hewson@nepft.nhs.uk
Lead Pharmacist for North East Essex Helen Thurlow 07792 209 328
Lead Pharmacist for Mid Essex Katherine Delargy 07879 115 278
Lead Pharmacist for West Essex Tolu Aigbekaen Office no. 01279 444 455 Ext 2811

For patients, carers or the public: If you have any questions please contact the pharmacy on 01245 315 500, or your local pharmacy staff. You can also contact PALS (patient advice and liaison service) on 01245 546 433 or by e-mails on pals@nepft.nhs.uk and they will find an answer for you. For more information visit the Trust website on http://www.nepft.nhs.uk

For staff: Please look at the Medicines management page on i-connect (go to Policies/Medicines management/) for full contact details, procedures, guidances, patient leaflets in other languages, useful websites. Please order in good time for your transport, or contact local pharmacy staff if need be. Staff across the Trust have access to on-call pharmacy services outside working hours.