Positive Conversation with a Patient in Community Pharmacy

I had a really positive pharmacy talk to a patient today who was prescribed sertraline tablets for depression for the first time. She was very anxious about taking the medication and also worried about what people would think. I naturally put her mind at ease and explained what the tablets were for and how to use them, the fact they are frequently prescribed amongst the community, the most notable side effects and importantly not to expect an overnight change in her mood. With the last point in mind, I clearly explained that the tablets need to be taken as prescribed for at least 3-4 weeks (if not beyond) to get the full benefit. It felt totally rewarding to help someone in this position. It is alright to dispense medication; but the most important role of the pharmacist is to ensure that patients fully understand the key points about their medication and what to do with it. This type of counselling clearly feeds into the www.pharmascholar.co.uk platform that is available to help people excel in their chosen field of pharmacy.