The symptoms of schizophrenia may escalate under the person is no longer able to function. Along with delusions and hallucinations, these individuals may exhibit compulsive behaviors, disorientation, and social isolation. By the time they are hospitalized for their symptoms –often involuntarily –they are in dire mental, emotional and physical straits. A personalized treatment care plan is designed for each patient.
Schizophrenia most frequently affects young people, from late adolescence into their 20s.
Schizophrenia treatment options include psychotherapy and drug therapy. Treatment is necessary for the rest of the patient’s life, although how they are treated may change over time. Psychiatrists are the professionals overseeing care. The patient’s team may also include a psychiatric nurse and social worker. In some instances, especially at a large treatment clinic, the patient may have a case manager.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy provides benefits for both the patient and their family. It aids in educating people about the disease, treatment, and expectations. Patients learn coping skills to help them manage their disease and lives. They also learn to identify signs of impending relapse, so they may ward off another psychotic episode.
Vocational and skills training is also offered for patients.
Schizophrenia Medication
Those diagnosed with schizophrenia may receive antipsychotic drugs as part of their treatment. These medications may address or reduce symptoms such as hallucinations or delusional behavior.
While many patients respond to these medications within a few days or even hours, the full effects do not appear for a month or more. While medications for schizophrenia treat the condition, they cannot cure it.
Along with medications prescribed specifically for schizophrenia, the doctor may prescribe pharmaceuticals to address related patient issues These may involve anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications.
First and Second-Generation Antipsychotic Medications
Most of the antipsychotic medications currently in use are “second-generation” drugs. These have fewer side effects than the first-generation variety, but the earlier drugs are still used in some situations.
Second-generation medications include:
- Aripiprazole (Abilify)
- Clozapine (Clozaril, Versacloz)
- Lurasidone (Latuda)
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Risperidone (Risperdal)
One reason first-generation antipsychotics have gone out of favor is that patients are much more likely to develop the movement disorder known as tardive dyskinesia. This movement disorder may prove permanent, even after the drug is discontinued.
First-generation antipsychotic drugs include:
- Chlorpromazine
- Fluphenazine
- Haloperidol
- Perphenazine
Although prescribed less often, first-generic antipsychotics are available in less expensive generic versions. When a patient must take medication long-term, cost becomes even more of a consideration than usual.
Side Effects
Drugs used for treating schizophrenia may cause various side effects, many of them severe.
Such side effects include:
- Agitation
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Involuntary movements
- Loss of libido
- Sedation
- Seizures
- Weight gain
Those taking antipsychotic drugs are at increased risk of developing diabetes. Schizophrenia itself raises diabetes risk.
Women may experience abnormal menstrual periods.
Some drug side effects result in strange behaviors. For example, Abilify side effects include impulse control problems, often manifesting as compulsive gambling.
Serious side effects may prevent patients from taking their medications or not taking them as prescribed. Some patients do not cooperate with their healthcare providers. Lack of cooperation may mean a change in the way medication is delivered. For instance, a longer-term injection of a drug may work more effectively for the resistant patient than taking a daily pill. Such injections are given monthly or every other week, depending on the medication.
Patients should inform their doctors about any side effects as soon as possible. Dosage adjustment may reduce or eliminate side effects. The doctor may change the primary medication or prescribe other medications to stop the side effects.
Because some medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter, may interact with antipsychotic drugs, inform the doctor of any other drugs you are taking. That includes herbal remedies and other supplements. Do not take antipsychotic medications with antacids, as they may affect drug absorption.
Even drinking coffee may affect the medication. Coffee consumption tends to slow down the drug’s breakdown. Those who smoke cigarettes may find the opposite effects. That is especially true for heavy smokers. Smoking makes the medication break down in the body faster, making it less effective. Smokers may require a larger dosage of the drug. Let your doctor know about your caffeine and nicotine use, so medication amounts are adjusted appropriately.
Antipsychotic Withdrawal
How long a patient remains on an antipsychotic drug depends on their diagnosis and their response to the medication. Some patients are given antipsychotics only until symptoms are relieved. Others receive the drug long-term to prevent additional psychotic episodes.
Antipsychotic drugs are not addictive per se. However, suddenly stopping their use may cause the body to go into withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Nausea
- Shaking
- Vomiting
By gradually lowering the dosage and weaning themselves off the drug under doctor supervision, patients can avoid these withdrawal symptoms.
Sources
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Psychotherapy
Schizophrenia Medication
First and Second-Generation Antipsychotic Medications
Side Effects
Antipsychotic Withdrawal
Sources
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