Informed, shared decisions
Boulder patients tend to ask detailed questions, read the research, and want a say in their care. We welcome that. Medication management here means your provider explains how a medicine works, what the evidence shows, what side effects to watch for, and what alternatives exist, then decides with you.
Conditions we treat
We manage medicines for depression, anxiety and panic, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD symptoms, PMDD, and insomnia tied to mental health. We see adults and teens 15 and older, including CU Boulder and Naropa students.
Medicine and athletic performance
Many patients train seriously, from trail running to cycling to climbing. Some medicines can affect heart rate, heat tolerance, weight, or energy. Your provider will consider your training goals when choosing a medicine and adjust timing around early workouts or race days. Competitive athletes should mention anti-doping rules, which restrict stimulants in competition.
Supplements and natural approaches
Boulder has no shortage of supplements, herbal remedies, and wellness trends. Some, like St. John's wort, can interact dangerously with antidepressants or reduce birth control effectiveness. Others, like high-dose melatonin or kava, have their own risks. Bring every supplement to your visit so your provider can check for interactions.
Psychedelics and natural medicine
Colorado now licenses psilocybin services, and some patients ask about them. Psychedelics can interact with psychiatric medicines, and lithium in particular has been linked to seizures when combined with them. If you have used or are considering natural medicine, tell your provider so your plan stays safe.
What happens at follow-up
Each visit covers mood, sleep, appetite, focus, energy, and side effects. Short questionnaires measure progress. We ask about new prescriptions and changes in your life. If something is not working, we discuss options right away instead of waiting months.
Sleep at altitude
New arrivals and visitors often sleep poorly above 5,000 feet, and some sedating medicines can worsen breathing at night in people with sleep apnea. Tell your provider about snoring, morning headaches, or gasping at night so sleep problems are checked before medicines are chosen.
Monitoring for safety
Lithium requires regular blood levels and kidney and thyroid checks. Some antipsychotics need weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol monitoring. Stimulants require blood pressure and heart rate checks, and as Schedule II medicines each fill needs a new prescription after a check of Colorado's prescription monitoring program.
Altitude, heat, and hydration
Long summer runs on Mesa Trail or rides up Flagstaff Road can dehydrate you quickly at altitude. Dehydration raises lithium levels and can worsen side effects of other medicines. Carry water, and call us if you feel shaky, confused, or ill.
Seasonal patterns
Some patients feel a clear winter slump even with Boulder's bright days, while others feel restless and sleepless in long summer evenings. If your mood follows the calendar, your provider may plan seasonal dose changes or suggest morning outdoor time or a bright light box.
Teens and families
For patients 15 to 17, parents are part of the plan. Your provider explains each medicine, its side effects, and when to call, and helps teens gradually take ownership of their care.
Students managing their own prescriptions
Many CU students are handling prescriptions on their own for the first time. Your provider can help you choose a pharmacy near campus and set reminders so medicine does not run out during finals or a trip home.
When to reach out early
Call before your next visit if you have new thoughts of self-harm, very high energy with little sleep, a rash, fainting, or side effects that disrupt daily life. In a crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.
Adjusting and tapering
If a medicine partly helps, options include adjusting the dose, switching, or adding another medicine. After several unsuccessful tries, GeneSight testing may help. When it is time to stop, your provider will plan a slow taper.
Getting started
New patients begin with a psychiatric evaluation. Transferring care? Bring your medicine and supplement list. We are at 1434 Spruce St. Become a patient without a referral.
Why Choose Flatirons Psychiatry and Mental Health?
- Board-certified psychiatric providers serving the Boulder area and all of Colorado
- Research-backed treatment protocols
- Full documentation for all evaluations
- Coordinated care with your other providers across the region