NMS and antidepressants

At the time of writing, plans were being finalised to add antidepressants to the New Medicines Service (NMS) in England.

This service provides support for people with long-term conditions newly prescribed a medicine to help improve medicines adherence. With up to 50 per cent of prescribed medications not being taken as recommended or prescribed, the NMS enables patients to find out more about how their medication works and learn about any potential side-effects. It also gives them the opportunity to ask questions and involves the patient in decision-making to manage their own condition and improve their health.

Although the NMS must be provided by a pharmacist, pharmacy technicians can provide valuable support for the service – for example, by booking appointments and talking to patients who may be concerned about their medication or have questions about it. Talking to a professional can remove the emotions a patient may have if they were talking to a friend, colleague or family member. For example, they may be worried about stress at work, not coping with family dynamics or have concerns about being viewed as a failure by their loved ones.

There can be a stigma around mental health conditions. However, focusing on the medication allows any conversations you have with patients to have a purpose and demonstrates that the pharmacy team is there to provide support.