Many people say they do not wish to take the medication which has been prescribed to them by their health care provider. In most cases, medication can not be forced on you. However, there are some exceptions to this, which are listed below. To begin with, you are encouraged to ask as many questions as you need to about your mediation, in order for you to improve you knowledge of what is being given to you. This might include;
·Purpose of the medication
·Side effects
·Things to avoid (drinking, driving)
·Dosage and what to do if you forget a dose
·When to take
·Who to contact if you are worried
If you understand why you have been given medication and its purpose, then you are considered to have “capacity to consent”, which basically means that you are in a position to make educated decisions about your own treatment. (However, there are some exceptions to this listed below.) Even if you are under 16 years of age, you are entitled to confidentiality and if you have the intelligence and ability to understand fully what is involved, then you are also considered to be able to consent or refuse to all treatment, including medication.
Exceptions
If you believe the information you have been given is false, even after a second opinion, or if you are unable to weigh up the pros and cons of accepting or refusing treatment, then you may be considered “incapacitated”. This means that you cannot give valid consent or refusal and so in extreme circumstances, medication can be given to you even if you refuse.
If those in charge of your treatment feel that you are an immediate danger to yourself or to others, then the law allows health professionals to give a limited amount of treatment. This is only for a limited time until the situation is resolved and you are deemed in a position to discuss your treatment.
If you have been detained under a mental health section, then medication may also be given to you without your prior consent. However, the people looking after you should always try to explain the medication to you.
It has not yet been decided, in law, whether physical treatment, such as blood tests (associated with some psychiatric drugs), can come within the definition. If it is proposed to give you such treatment, and you object, then seek legal advice as soon as possible.
What if I'm treated without my consent?
You should make it clear to your doctor that you do not want the medication which is being given to you and explain your reasons for this decision. You can then either follow your hospital complaints procedure or use an independent service such as Citizens Advice Bureau.
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Rights+guide/RG3.htm
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=561§ionId=20190
http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/