Schizophrenia: The Challenges of Taking Medication

For people with schizophrenia, a common question is, “How long is medication needed to treat schizophrenia?” The answer is usually: people most benefit from taking medication for schizophrenia most of their lives. But there are a few challenges with taking any medication for such a long period of time, including reduced effectiveness and unwanted long-term side effects. Antipsychotic medications — including newer atypical antipsychotics — reduce the risk of future psychotic episodes in patients who have schizophrenia. Even with continued drug treatment, some people will typically suffer relapses — but far higher relapse rates are seen when medication is discontinued. In most cases, it would not be accurate to say that continued drug treatment prevents relapses; rather, it reduces their intensity and frequency. The treatment of severe psychotic symptoms generally requires higher dosages than those used for maintenance treatment. If symptoms reappear on a lower dosage, a temporary increase in dosage may prevent a full-blown relapse. Sticking to the Treatment Plan Because relapse is more likely when antipsychotic medications are discontinued or taken irregularly, it’s beneficial when people with schizophrenia stick to their treatment. Sticking to treatment is also called “adherence to treatment,” which simply means keeping to the treatment plan arrived at between the patient and their psychiatrist or therapist. Good adherence invol...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Antipsychotics Atypical Antipsychotics Disorders Medications Schizophrenia challenges of taking medication drugs for schizophrenia how long on medication medication for schizophrenia schizophrenia medication side effects of schizophren Source Type: news