Schizophrenia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that affects your emotions, thoughts, and behavior. Stress, lack of sleep, or substance use may trigger symptoms. This is called a psychotic episode.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:
- You think or talk about killing yourself or someone else.
Call your doctor or therapist or have someone call if:
- You are having signs or symptoms of schizophrenia.
- You are not able to sleep well, or are sleeping more than usual.
- You cannot eat or are eating more than usual.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
Do not stop taking your medicine even if you feel better. You may need any of the following:
- Antipsychotics help decrease psychotic symptoms and severe agitation.
- Benzodiazepines may be used for a short time to help you feel more calm during psychotic episodes.
- Mood stabilizers may be given to help you feel less agitated.
- Antidepressants may be given along with antipsychotic medicines to treat depression or anxiety.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Manage schizophrenia:
The following may help you prevent or manage psychotic episodes:
- Do not stop taking your medicines. Tell your healthcare provider or psychiatrist if you have any problems with or questions about your medicines.
- Do not stop your therapies. Tell your provider or psychiatrist if you are not comfortable or have questions about your therapies.
- Get regular sleep. Try to get 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Tell your provider or therapist if you are not able to sleep, or if you are sleeping too much.
- Do not drink alcohol or use cannabis (marijuana). Alcohol interacts with medicine used to treat schizophrenia. Marijuana can trigger or worsen a psychotic episode.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Follow up with your psychiatrist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
For support and more information:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
3803 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100
Arlington , VA 22203
Phone: 1- 703 - 524-7600
Phone: 1- 800 - 950-6264
Web Address: http://www.nami.org
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 6200, MSC 9663
Bethesda , MD 20892-9663
Phone: 1- 301 - 443-4513
Phone: 1- 866 - 615-6464
Web Address: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
