Question

Discuss the medication for schizophrenia and the important teachings about schizophrenia medication

Answer 1

Medications for Schizophrenia:

Schizophrenia is a psychotic condition characterised by abnormal perception, thinking , behaviour and emotion, often marked by delusions. This psychiatric diagnosis denotes a persistent and often chronic mental illnes. The major symptoms are hallucinations: False interpretation of stimulus, in the absence of the stimulus  and different type of delusions : false fixed beliefs .

Medications:

* Antipsychotics can be used to reduce psychotic symptoms of the patient . Psychotic symptoms are Delusions and hallucinations. There are two types of Antipsychotics Typical and Atypical antipsychotics:

Typical / Conventional antipsychotics

Examples:

Haloperidol ( Haldol)

Chlorpromazine ( Thorazine)

Fluphenazine

Thiothixene ( stelazine)

Atypical Antipsychotics:

Clozapine

Olanazapine

Quetiapine ( seroquel)

Respiridone

Aripiprazole ( Abilify) .

Antitremor medications like propranolol also can used along witj antipsychotics.  

Important teaching about Schizophrenia Medications:

Patient and family teaching is necessary for the client, who recieve Schizophrenic medications especially Antipsychotics. The teaching should include:

* Adherence to medications are very important: The patient should not stop the drug or increase the drug without Doctor's order.

* Report the side effects, if any .

* Common side effects of antipsychotics are

- Restlessness, that is uncomfortable, also called as Akathisia

- Shakiness and stiffness

- Difficulty in movement of lips, jaws and tongue

_ Slowness and sleepiness

- Dry mouth  

- blurred vision

- Constipation

* Educate the client regarding the management of minor side effects, such as:

take sips of water in between to prevent dryness of mouth, Add fiber rich food to the diet like green leafy vegetables to prevent constipation.

* Relapse may occur in case of sudden stoppage of the drug . Gradual tapering of drug is advised.

* Family members have to provide a conducive environment for the patient to be relaxed and be happy. Stressful environment may trigger the relapse of schizophrenia.  

* Regular check up for any Cardiovascular problems as antipsychotics may cause irregularities in heart and blood vessel functions.