Additionally, instruct patients to always carry a list of all medications they currently take. Ideally, this list should also include past medications and responses, allergies, and provider contact information. During a disaster, this information could prove vital to an emergency clinician. At a minimum, verify that your patient maintains a list of current medications.
Clinicians should develop emergency plans for all psychiatric medications they prescribe. Document and discuss with your patients any necessary considerations for patients who take medications that require more intensive monitoring, such as lithium or clozapine.
Clinicians, patients, emergency responders, and health care workers need to work together to prepare for major disasters to avoid withdrawal and other consequences of disrupted access to psychiatric medications.
Bottom Line
Consult with local public health officials to determine and develop contingency plans to provide psychiatric medications to your patients in the event of a disaster. Discuss treatment plans and contingency planning with patients, particularly those in regions most likely to be affected by a disaster. Instruct patients to refill medications prior to a foreseeable disaster and to maintain a personal stockpile of medications when appropriate.
Related Resources
- Ochi S, Hodgson S, Landeg O, et al. Disaster-driven evacuation and medication loss: A systematic literature review. PLoS Curr. 2014;6.b. doi: 10.1371/currents.dis.fa417630b566a0c7dfdbf945910edd96.
- Pate JE, Fisher JW. Disaster ethics: What are the ground rules? Current Psychiatry. 2007;6(6):69-78.
Drug Brand Names
Buprenorphine • Subutex
Buprenorphine/naloxone • Suboxone
Clozapine • Clozaril
Diazepam • Valium
Lithium • Eskalith, Lithobid