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Long-Acting Injectable (LAI) Treatment
PERSONALIZED PSYCHIATRIC CARE
Consistent Care. Greater Peace of Mind.
Long-acting injectable (LAI) medications help manage certain mental health conditions by gradually releasing medication over time. With fewer doses to remember, this treatment option can support medication adherence, symptom management, and long-term mental wellness.
How LAIs Work?
* Better Adherence: You do not have to remember to take a pill every single day.
* Fewer Ups and Downs: They prevent the "peaks and troughs" of medication levels that happen with daily pills, which lowers certain side effects.
* Lower Hospital Risk: Studies show LAIs significantly reduce the risk of symptom relapses and hospital readmissions compared to oral medications.
Key Benefits
* Slow Release: Suspended in oil or water-based formulas (or microspheres), the drug forms a local depot that gradually absorbs into the bloodstream.
* Dosing Schedule: Shots are given by a healthcare provider every 2 weeks, monthly, or every few months depending on the specific drug.
* Oral Overlap: Some medications require taking matching daily pills for the first few weeks to build up a steady level in your system.
Common Side Effects:
For detailed treatment options or to see if this fits a care plan, please consult Dr. Lalani
* Injection Site Issues: Pain, swelling, or redness where the needle went in.
* Systemic Effects: Drowsiness, weight gain, movement stiffness, or metabolic changes similar to oral versions of the drugs.
* Delayed Adjustment: Because the drug stays in your body for weeks, side effects take longer to clear if you have a bad reaction.