At Life Raft Psychiatry, we understand the importance of effective medication management in mental health treatment. Margaret Shaffer, MSN, PMHNP-BC, provides expert oversight and guidance to patients in Altoona, PA, and Carrolltown, PA, ensuring that they receive the best care possible.

Comprehensive Medication Oversight
We specialize in managing and overseeing a wide range of commonly prescribed medications, including non-benzodiazepine and non-stimulant options. These medications are carefully selected based on each patient's unique needs and conditions, with a focus on maximizing effectiveness while minimizing potential side effects.
Benefits of Our Approach
Choosing the right medication is crucial in achieving positive outcomes in mental health treatment. Our psychiatric nurse practitioner work closely with patients to monitor their progress, adjust dosages as needed, and address any concerns or questions that may arise. By providing personalized medication management, we aim to optimize treatment results and improve overall well-being.
Why Choose a Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
Having a licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner oversee your medication management is essential for several reasons. We have specialized training and expertise in mental health conditions, allowing them to make informed decisions about medication selection and dosage adjustments. With a local psychiatric nurse practitioner like Margaret Shaffer, you can trust that you are receiving individualized care from a qualified professional who is dedicated to your mental health needs.
We Treat With the Following Medications
Amitriptyline
Type: Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)
Treatment For:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Insomnia
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Persistent Depressive Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Postpartum Depression
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Social Anxiety Disorder
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Type: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Treatment For:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- PTSD
- Social Anxiety Disorder
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Type: Second-Generation Antipsychotic (SGA)
Treatment For:
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
Benztropine (Cogentin)
Type: Anti-Parkinson Agent
Treatment For:
- Tremors or Muscle Twitching caused by other medications
Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
Type: Antihistamine
Treatment For:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (short-term treatment)
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Type: Antidepressant
Treatment For:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Type: Anticonvulsant
Treatment For:
- Bipolar Disorder
Buspirone (Buspar)
Type: Anti-Anxiety
Treatment For:
- Anxiety
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Type: Antidepressant
Treatment For:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Insomnia
- PTSD
Citalopram (Celexa)
Type: SSRI
Treatment For:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- OCD
- Panic Disorder
- PTSD
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Social Anxiety Disorder
Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Type: TCA
Treatment For:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Persistent Depressive Disorder
- Postpartum Depression
- SAD
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Type: SSRI
Treatment For:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- OCD
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- PTSD
- PMDD
Clonidine (Catapres)
Type: Widely Tolerated Medication
Treatment For:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
Propranolol (Inderal)
Type: Beta Blocker
Treatment For:
- Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Divalproex (Depakote)
Type: Anticonvulsant
Treatment For:
- Bipolar Disorder
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Type: Atypical Antipsychotic
Treatment For:
- Bipolar Disorder
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Insomnia
- OCD
- PTSD
Doxepin (Silenor)
Type: TCA
Treatment For:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Type: SSRI
Treatment For:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- OCD
- Panic Disorder
- PTSD
- PMDD
- Social Anxiety Disorder
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Type: Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)
Treatment For:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Trazodone (Desyrel)
Type: Antidepressant
Treatment For:
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Type: SSRI
Treatment For:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- OCD
- Panic Disorder
- PTSD
- PMDD
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Type: SNRI
Treatment For:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- General Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Type: SSRI
Treatment For:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- OCD
Ziprasidone (Geodon)
Type: Atypical Antipsychotic
Treatment For:
- Bipolar Disorder
Trust Life Raft Psychiatry for Your Medication Management Needs
If you are seeking expert medication management services from a trusted local psychiatric nurse practitioner, look no further than Life Raft Psychiatry. We are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to help you navigate your mental health journey with confidence. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards improved well-being.