I brought up this topic in a thread on the bipolar forum. If you take psychotropic medications prescribed by someone other than a general practitioner (GP), do you regularly see a GP? By "regularly" I mean, at least once per year for an annual physical.

My GP has played an important part in my overall well-being. As great as my psychiatrist is as an MD and as a specialist for mental health issues, I still believe that my GP has a better knowledge of physical issues that my psychiatrist may miss or unintentionally ignore.

When I was on Geodon, it was my GP who would order the occasional EKG to check my heart. [Geodon is known to cause heart issues.]

When I had hyperprolactinemia because of the antipsychotic Invega, it was actually my gynecologist that ordered an MRI which found a pituitary microadenoma.

I believe my GP is the most qualified to handle my beta blocker and thyroid hormone replacement prescribing, even though bipolar medications or even mental illness itself can be causes for the need for these medications.

I can't emphasize more how important it is to keep a GP up-to-date on your psych medications and any other medications you take.

Occasionally, people blame any or all physical issues on psych medication side effects. Sometimes it may not be the case. Sometimes, the issues are unrelated to psych meds. During a time when psychiatrists may see patients for 5 to 15 mins max, the need for a GP is important.

How often does your psychiatrist take your blood pressure, listen to your heart, order blood tests beyond ones specific to a psych medication?

I don't care how old you are (teenager to elderly). I still recommend regular/annual GP appointments or GP appointments as a second opinion to physical issues.