You have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and you managed to consult a doctor and therapist about what is the right treatment for you. Now What? With so many options to choose from, which one will work best. The answer is quite simple, no one will know until you try it. There are six major drugs that are being prescribed for schizophrenia. They are Abilify, Geodon, Latuda, Seroquel, Zyprexa and Risperdal. There are about 100 more older drugs but the ones listed above are the latest and greatest.
Abilify (Aripiprazole)
Abilify is used mostly to treat major depression alongside anti-depressants when anti-depressants are not enough. It has been also used to treat bipolar disorder as well as schizophrenia for adults and children between 13-17 years old. The side effects include weight gain, difficulty swallowing, high cholesterol, an increase risk of stroke and high blood sugar.
Geodon (Ziprasidone)
Geodon is mainly used to treat bipolar disorder. Geodon has been shown to help treat schizophrenia. The side effects include changes of heart rhythm, high fever, stiff muscles, shaking, confusion, weight gain, seizures and uncontrollable body movements. The urge to smack your boss is not because of Geodon.
Latuda (Lurasidone)
Latuda is one of the newer prescription drugs on the market mainly for bipolar depression in adults and it helps with schizophrenia. Keep in mind, this medication is recommended for adults only. The side effects include increase risk of death in elderly patients, high fever, stiff muscles, shaking, confusion, weight gain, seizures, increase in cholesterol, increase in blood sugar and uncontrollable body movements.
Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate)
Seroquel is used to treat the manic highs and depressive lows of bipolar disorder. In addition, you can treat schizophrenia. The side effects include increase risk of death in elderly patients, high fever, stiff muscles, shaking, confusion, weight gain, seizures, increase in cholesterol, increase in blood sugar and uncontrollable body movements.
Zyprexa (Olanzapine)
Zyprexa is used to treat mental disorders such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. The side effects include dry mouth, missed menstrual period (men be careful), weight gain, swollen breasts and/or liquid discharge from your nipples (men or women), drowsiness, runny nose, fast or uneven heartbeat and Jerky muscle movement you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw).
Risperdal (Risperidone)
Risperdal is a controversial prescription drug because it has been subject to lawsuits for illegal promotion. It is an injection performed in cycles to help control symptoms of bipolar disorder. You can add schizophrenia to the list of uses. The side effects include high fever, stiff muscles, shaking, confusion, weight gain, seizures, increase in cholesterol, increase in blood sugar and uncontrollable body movements. Men can also experience painful long-lasting erections.
Conclusions
Overall, all of these treatments have roughly the same side effects when used. Some medications are better suited for adults while others are more broad so anyone can use them. The important thing is that there are options if one medication doesn’t work for you. Let’s hope your doctor knows about all the available choices.
Do you have any experience with the medications above?
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