This is referred to as treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
Antipsychotics work by blockingdopaminein the brain.
Dopamine is a brain chemical that, when overactive, is thought to play a part in psychosis.
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Antipsychotics should be started as soon as possible after symptoms appear.
In addition to blocking dopamine, second-generation antipsychotics also affect another brain chemical calledserotonin.
Second-Generation Antipsychotics vs.
These medications can help reduce:
Dosage (including how often it is administered) varies by drug.
Some injectables require oral supplementation initially when treatment begins.
Also, some injectables need to be refrigerated.
This life-threatening condition may begin with a high fever, and changes in heart or breathing patterns.
If you have these symptoms, see a healthcare provider right away.
How Long Does It Take for Medication to Work?
These medications are new.
Smoking
Smoking can make the body break down antipsychotics faster.
People who smoke heavily may require more medication.
Tell your healthcare provider if the amount you smoke changes.
Therefore, it’s important to limit alcohol while taking such medications.
They can also interfere with medication and worsen side effects.
Driving
For some people, antipsychotics can cause sleepiness or sedation.
It is best to avoid drivingor anything else that requires alertnessuntil you know how the medication affects you.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Antipsychotics may cause irregular periods and/or false pregnancy tests.
Antipsychotics do pass into breastmilk and may cause the baby to be drowsy, depending on the dose.
These risks and side-effects are often manageable and may be a better choice than living with unmedicated schizophrenia/psychosis.
Age
Age can play a role in the use of antipsychotics.
Children and teensare more likely to experience side effects from these medications, as are people older than 60.
People older than 60 may also be more sensitive to the medication and require lower doses.
Older adults are more likely to be taking other medications, which may cause interactions with antipsychotics.
Antipsychotics may also create a higher risk of falls.
For those who report symptom relief and manageable side effects, longer-term maintenance therapy using antipsychotics is suggested.
Sometimes a combination of medications is used to treat schizophrenia.
Adherence to treatment (including taking medication as prescribed) can be difficult for people with schizophrenia.
Commonly prescribed antidepressants includeselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants.
Mood stabilizersare medications prescribed to people with schizophrenia to reduce mood swings, aggression, or agitation.
Some types of mood stabilizers, likelithium, reduce the risk of suicide.
It is also effective for treating common concurrent disorders, like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Family interventionsare effective tools for preventing relapses of psychosis.
Social skill traininghelps people with schizophrenia develop skills needed to operate in society.
The person is sedated with general anesthesia throughout the procedure.
ECT aims to reduce the chances of relapse, particularly in people who do not respond to drug treatments.
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