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Schizophrenia - General Discussion

Started by briskgull27 · · 👁 286 views · 7.5K replies

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Participants briskgull27Jason Sanchez3Taylor Howard36crimsonhound80Douglas Ramos2restlesscobra132electricpanther4swiftsurfer27Rachel Ruiz39Rebecca Flores5Brian Moore2Mark Morris3quiethound45Brenda Cook4James Gonzalez11Gerald Rivera60Megan MitchellTaylor Parker10David Stewart52Andrew Harris7mistybisonAmistyscout2Samuel Nelson24 …
Amanda Ramirez69 Amanda Ramirez69 Member
37 messages
joined Dec 2007
#1841 ·
Regarding my postgraduate studies, it’s still a bit early to say exactly where I’ll land. I’d love to see this through to the very end—maybe even push for a PhD—but it’s just too soon to make any definitive calls. My primary interest lies in personality theory. It’s pretty common to see psychologists transition into medical doctorates to become psychiatrists working in clinical settings, but I don't see myself following that specific track. I think I’ll lean toward private practice instead.
I honestly believe I have a very strong intuition when it comes to reading people, regardless of whether they're dealing with mental health issues or not. Since I’m currently working in a school setting, the logical step might seem to be becoming a school psychologist for the kids, but frankly, I’d much rather work with their parents.🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 😈 🙂 🙂 In my experience, the parents are usually the ones actually responsible for the children's behavioral issues.
Eric Brown23 Eric Brown23 Member
27 messages
joined Nov 2007
#1842 ·
Where’s my favorite girl today? How are you holding up?
I finally got my six-month Depo-Provera shots approved! Back in '97, I was seeing a specialist over at Mayo Clinic—it feels like a lifetime ago. Where do people even go for treatment these days? Which hospitals or mental health clinics are actually worth the trouble?
Donna Sullivan7 Donna Sullivan7 Active Member
112 messages
joined Aug 2007
#1843 ·
man, I felt just... awful from all that disrespect, honestly, just a horrible, indescribable feeling... so yeah, I ended up switching things up.
I’ve been through it too—ended up in the ER, then at some clinics in Brooklyn, Queens, and even over in Jersey... hospitalized a few times here and there. Did you get a chance to look at that treatment plan I sent over?...
-wait, I don't get it, why are you on the long-acting shot?-well, because you forget your meds sometimes or you aren't really following what the doctor says when they put you on the depot injections...
Eric Brown23 Eric Brown23 Member
27 messages
joined Nov 2007
#1844 ·
Donna Sullivan7 said:man, I felt just... awful from all that disrespect, honestly, just a horrible, indescribable feeling... so yeah, I ended up switching things up.
I’ve been through it too—ended up in the ER, then at some clinics in Brooklyn, Queens, and even over in Jersey... hospitalized a few times here and there. Did you get a chance to look at that treatment plan I sent over?...
-wait, I don't get it, why are you on the long-acting shot?-well, because you forget your meds sometimes or you aren't really following what the doctor says when they put you on the depot injections...

I take the depot because of the hallucinations—true enough—but I haven't tried some of those specific meds yet. Why not try adding homeopathy to the mix? It might actually help. I use it alongside my regular meds with my doctor's okay as a supplement. Give it a shot, you aren't losing anything. There's a homeopathic medical association based in NYC—it could do you good. I'm not sure where those practitioners are located, but just check their website...
Eric Brown23 Eric Brown23 Member
27 messages
joined Nov 2007
#1845 ·
http://www.webmd.com

just our take on homeopathy
Donna Sullivan7 Donna Sullivan7 Active Member
112 messages
joined Aug 2007
#1846 ·
so, I saw this thing saying homeopathy is just treating people without meds, plus a decent diet... I mean, sure, I'm all for that with minor stuff, but what about us??''
-how are you supposed to cure someone with diabetes using homeopathy, when we all know insulin is the only thing keeping them from slipping into a coma? am I wrong there, Eric Brown23?
Donna Sullivan7 Donna Sullivan7 Active Member
112 messages
joined Aug 2007
#1847 ·
@Amanda Ramirez69—hey, can you tell me about Prozac? They prescribed it to me for anxiety, but now I'm honestly freaking out about the side effects... do you know anything about it? thanks.
Amanda Ramirez69 Amanda Ramirez69 Member
37 messages
joined Dec 2007
#1848 ·
If you're looking into Prozac, there are several critical things you need to understand about how it functions and what the potential risks are. It isn't just a simple pill; it’s a serious medication that requires a clear understanding of its mechanics and side effects. To start with the basics, these medicines are thought to work by increasing the activity of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. While that sounds straightforward, the implications for different demographics are significant. For instance, pregnancy — Prozac has not been studied in pregnant women, so if that applies to you, you need to be extremely cautious. Similarly, mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor before making any decisions. When it comes to younger patients, there are specific concerns. Children — this medicine has been tested in children and studies have shown occurrences of children thinking about suicide or attempting suicide in clinical trials for this medicine. This is a heavy reality that shouldn't be overlooked. We also have to address pre-existing conditions. Other medical problems — the presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Prozac. Specifically, any other medical problems, especially: brain disease or mental retardation or seizures, history of — the risk of seizures may be increased; liver disease — higher blood levels of Prozac may occur. You cannot ignore these variables. As for what to expect after starting the regimen, adverse effects can vary. Some people report adverse effects mild in nature, but others experience more significant issues. It is important to monitor for symptoms related to serum lithium concentrations, which can include gastrointestinal issues like anorexia, as well as neurologic or genitourinary complications. Additionally, some users may experience allergic reactions. Bottom line: don't go into this blindly. Understand the chemistry, respect the risks regarding existing health issues, and always maintain an open dialogue with your healthcare provider.

Prozac is utilized to treat the symptoms of depression.
Prozac (fluvoaxamine) is specifically indicated for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), though it's important to note that doctors may also prescribe it for various other conditions depending on the patient's specific needs.
Prozac belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medicines are thought to work by increasing the activity of a chemical called serotonin in the brain.
When considering the use of Prozac, there are several critical factors to weigh. It is important to note that special precautions before using Prozac are necessary for many patients. For instance, pregnancy — Prozac has not been studied in pregnant women, so any decision regarding medication during this time requires careful consideration. Similarly, mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor first. Regarding younger patients, children — this medicine has been tested in children and studies have shown occurrences of children thinking about suicide or attempting suicide in clinical trials for this medicine. This is a serious matter that cannot be overlooked. Furthermore, other medical problems — the presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Prozac. Specifically, any other medical problems, especially: brain disease or mental retardation or seizures, history of — the risk of seizures may be increased; liver disease — higher blood levels of Prozac may occur. While some people experience adverse effects mild in nature, others may report issues that are neurologic or genitourinary. Additionally, it is possible to have an allergic reaction. It is vital to approach these medications with a full understanding of the potential risks involved.
Before using Prozac, there are several key factors that need to be taken into account:
Allergies—make sure to let your doctor know if you’ve ever experienced an unusual or allergic reaction to Prozac. It is just as important to inform your healthcare professional if you have any known allergies to other substances, including specific foods, preservatives, or food dyes.
Pregnancy — Prozac has not been studied in pregnant women. It is worth noting, however, that animal studies have indicated that Prozac may lead to lower survival rates in offspring when administered to the mother at doses even lower than the maximum recommended human dosage. Before you start this medication, you absolutely must ensure your doctor is fully aware of whether you are currently pregnant or if there is any possibility that you might become pregnant.
Regarding breastfeeding: Prozac does pass into breast milk. That said, we just don't have enough data on how this medication actually affects nursing infants. If you are currently taking this medicine and planning to breast-feed, you absolutely need to sit down and discuss this with your doctor first.
Children — this medicine has been tested in children and, at effective doses, hasn't been shown to cause any side effects or issues that differ from what we see in adults. However, since Prozac can lead to weight loss or a decrease in appetite, it is vital that children on long-term treatment have their weight and physical growth monitored regularly by their doctor.
When it comes to treating depression in children, Prozac must be approached with extreme caution. We simply don't have enough data yet to guarantee its safety and effectiveness for younger patients, and more extensive research is absolutely necessary. Most importantly, studies have shown occurrences of children thinking about suicide or attempting suicide in clinical trials for this medicine. It is a serious matter that requires careful consideration.
When it comes to older patients, the data on Prozac is somewhat limited since it hasn't been tested extensively in that demographic. That said, current findings don't suggest that older adults experience any unique side effects or complications compared to younger populations. There is one important caveat, though: Prozac may be cleared from the system more slowly in older individuals. Because of this slower metabolism, a lower dosage might be necessary for an older adult than what would be prescribed to a younger person.
When it comes to mixing medications, there's a spectrum of risk. While some drugs are strictly forbidden from being taken together, there are plenty of instances where a physician might prescribe two different medications simultaneously, even if a potential interaction exists. In those specific scenarios, your doctor will likely need to adjust your dosage or implement extra precautions to ensure everything stays safe. It is absolutely vital that when you are taking Prozac, you make sure both your doctor and your pharmacist are fully aware of every other medication you are currently using.
Other medical problems — the presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Prozac. You need to make sure you inform your doctor if you have any other underlying health issues, especially:

Any other medical problems, especially: brain disease or mental retardation or seizures, history of — the risk of seizures may be increased; liver disease — higher blood levels of Prozac may
Any other medical problems, especially: brain disease or mental retardation or seizures, history of — the risk of seizures may be increased
Other medical problems, especially: brain disease or mental retardation or seizures, history of — the risk of seizures may be increased; liver disease — higher blood levels of Prozac may
Mania or hypomania, history of—the condition may be activated
When discussing potential side effects, it is important to look at the clinical data. These medicines are thought to work by increasing the activity of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. However, users need to be aware of several specific considerations. First, regarding safety profiles: pregnancy — Prozac has not been studied in pregnant women. Additionally, mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor. When it comes to younger patients, children — this medicine has been tested in children and studies have shown occurrences of children thinking about suicide or attempting suicide in clinical trials for this medicine. There are also critical warnings regarding pre-existing conditions. Other medical problems — the presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Prozac. Specifically, any other medical problems, especially: brain disease or mental retardation or seizures, history of — the risk of seizures may be increased; liver disease — higher blood levels of Prozac may occur. In terms of what patients actually experience, adverse effects mild are common. Furthermore, the following adverse effects have been reported usually related to serum lithium concentrations: gastrointestinal: anorexia; neurologic; genitourinary; allergic. Always consult a professional before making changes to your regimen.
If you experience any of the following side effects, you should check in with your doctor as soon as possible:

It’s becoming increasingly common.
One thing that doesn't get enough attention in these discussions is how certain medications can fundamentally alter your drive or physical performance. It’s a heavy topic, but we need to address it directly. Changes in sexual desire or performance are documented side effects that can significantly impact a person's quality of life and relationships. When you're navigating treatment, you have to be aware that these shifts aren't just "in your head"—they are physiological responses. If you notice a decline in libido or changes in how your body responds, it isn't something to just ignore or brush off; it's a legitimate medical observation that needs to be communicated clearly to your healthcare provider.
It’s worth noting that some side effects aren't as frequently documented. While most people stick to the standard list of reactions, there are certain less common experiences that can crop up. It is important to stay vigilant and report anything unusual to your physician.
If you experience any shifts in behavior, changes in mood, or fluctuations in your mental state, you need to take notice. You should also watch out for respiratory issues like trouble breathing, difficulty urinating, or any sudden muscle twitching.
It’s quite rare.
There are several side effects that patients should be aware of when taking this medication. Some people might experience an absence of or a decrease in body movements, while others might notice an increase in movement. You could also deal with blurred vision, general clumsiness, or feeling unsteady on your feet. More serious neurological issues can occur, such as convulsions (seizures), an inability to move your eyes, or experiencing unusual, incomplete, or sudden movements in the body or face. Physical symptoms can also manifest through the skin or respiratory system, including skin rashes, redness, tenderness, itching, burning, or peeling skin. It’s also possible to experience a sore throat, fever, chills, nosebleeds, or red and irritated eyes. Other systemic issues include weakness, unusual bruising, menstrual changes, or unusual milk secretion in females.
Rare—Symptoms of serotonin syndrome (typically when three or more present simultaneously): agitation; confusion; diarrhea; fever; overactive reflexes; poor coordination; restlessness; shivering; sweating; uncontrollable excitement in speech or behavior; trembling or shaking; twitching.
Symptoms of an overdose—these can be significantly more intense than standard side effects, or multiple symptoms may manifest at once: coma; convulsions (seizures); diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; irregular heart rate (fast or slow); dilated pupils; low blood pressure; nausea; trembling or shaking; difficulty urinating; twitching; vomiting.
If an overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center immediately. If the individual has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, call 911 or your local emergency services right away.
It is vital that you attend every scheduled appointment with your doctor and the lab. Under no circumstances should anyone else be taking your prescribed medication.
Kenneth Price74 Kenneth Price74 Active Member
61 messages
joined Oct 2007
#1849 ·
Adverse Effects

Even when serum lithium levels stay under 1 mmol/L, adverse effects mild may still occur. The most frequent issues are initial postabsorptive symptoms, likely caused by a rapid spike in serum lithium concentrations. These include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vertigo, muscle weakness, and a dazed sensation; these typically vanish once therapy stabilizes. More common and lasting reactions involve a fine hand tremor and, occasionally, fatigue, thirst, polyuria, and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Does this necessitate a dose reduction? Not necessarily.

Toxic reactions ranging from mild to moderate can manifest at lithium concentrations between 1.5 and 2 mmol/L, while moderate to severe reactions emerge at concentrations exceeding 2 mmol/L.

Some patients might face lithium accumulation during the start of therapy, which can escalate to toxic levels and demand an immediate stop to the medication. Certain elderly patients with reduced renal clearance for lithium may also suffer varying degrees of toxicity, necessitating a dosage cut or a temporary pause in treatment. For those with standard renal clearance, however, toxic symptoms tend to follow a predictable pattern tied to serum lithium levels. Transient gastrointestinal symptoms are usually the first sign. A mild hand tremor might persist throughout the course of treatment. Thirst and polyuria may then lead to increased drowsiness, ataxia, tinnitus, and blurred vision—all indicators of early intoxication. As intoxication worsens, one may encounter confusion, increasing disorientation, muscle twitching, hyperreflexia, nystagmus, seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, and ultimately, coma or death.

The following adverse effects have been reported usually related to serum lithium concentrations:

Gastrointestinal:
Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, dry mouth, metallic taste, abdominal pain, and weight fluctuations.

Neurologic:
General muscle weakness, ataxia, tremor, muscle hyperirritability (including fasciculation, twitching—particularly in facial muscles—and clonic limb movements), choreoathetotic movement, and hyperactive deep tendon reflexes.

CNS:
Skin anesthesia, slurred speech, blurred vision, blackouts, headaches, seizures, cranial nerve involvement, psychomotor retardation, somnolence, toxic confusional states, restlessness, stupor, coma, and acute dystonia. Recorded EEG changes included diffuse slowing, a widened frequency spectrum, and the potentiation and disorganization of background rhythms. Sensitivity to hyperventilation and paroxysmal bilateral synchronous delta activity has also been noted.

Cardiovascular:
Arrhythmia, hypotension, ECG changes such as flattened or inverted T waves, peripheral circulatory failure, and cardiac collapse.

Genitourinary:
Albuminuria, oliguria, polyuria, and glycosuria.

Allergic:
Allergic vasculitis.

Dermatologic:
Dry, thinning hair, leg ulcers, skin rashes, and pruritus.

Hematologic:
Anemia, leucopenia, and leucocytosis.

Metabolic:
Transient hyperglycemia, slight elevations in plasma magnesium, and goiter formation.

In some patients, nontoxic diffuse or nodular goiters have developed following the start of therapy, seemingly independent of other signs of lithium toxicity. Decreased PBI and increased I(131) uptake have also been documented.

Hypercalcemia linked to lithium-induced hyperparathyroidism has also been reported.

Miscellaneous:
General fatigue, dehydration, and peripheral edema.
Kenneth Price74 Kenneth Price74 Active Member
61 messages
joined Oct 2007
#1850 ·
Mental patients who lack wealthy families require assistance,
not affection, but capital.

Funds for electricity, food, clothing, heating, even basic entertainment—these resources could save lives that would otherwise be lost to suicide.
We are discussing adults, not children.
Employers won't hire them, and social security benefits are practically non-existent; if they do receive anything, it’s barely enough for $333.
Since almost no one on this forum has taken me seriously for over a year now, I will have to seek help in the real world.
Today, Kathryn Janeway. ☕
Alex Ruiz4 Alex Ruiz4 Newcomer
5 messages
joined Jan 2008
#1851 ·
I really need some advice here. It’s urgent.

My brother has schizophrenia. Ever since he was diagnosed, my sister has been struggling just to function. This all started while he was away serving in the military, so we aren't even sure exactly when things shifted. When he finally came home, he would just stare into space. He wouldn't talk, and it felt impossible to even be near him... I can't recall the exact details anymore. I just remember my mom coming home looking completely distraught, telling us he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. He’s currently on Risperdal and Lexapro—he takes quite a high dose of the Risperdal (about three tablets a day plus half a Lexapro, though I don't know the exact milligrams). Honestly, it doesn't seem to be helping much... Let me try to explain.

How does his illness actually show up? He makes up people and talks to them. At first, it wasn't out loud; he would just smile to himself or mutter something under his breath. But then he started talking to them audibly. I don't even have to mention that we can't sleep at home because of it. Mostly, he just laughs with them. Sometimes he seems to be in a great mood... laughing hysterically, even though he thinks they are his enemies. He's convinced he has this massive responsibility to carry the weight of the world, like he's some kind of martyr. He believes "they" planted that idea in his head. Other times, he gets angry—furious, actually—at them. He yells, but it has nothing to do with what's happening around us. He'll just lie in bed or sit somewhere rambling to himself. He isn't violent, at least not until we try to give him his medication, which can trigger a strong reaction. He isn't trying to hurt us; he just curses because he hates having to take it. There are times we can't even get him to agree to take his meds. And then the house just goes crazy. One minute he's laughing and talking to them with incredible excitement, and the next, he's absolutely heartbroken and desperate, begging them to leave him alone. He cries and pleads. It's devastating. We all just sit there in the house, frozen, praying to God that he'll calm down. He often says he's done enough, that he's carried the weight of the world and all that. So, he begs them to leave him alone, and because of that, he often makes up specific dates for when it will happen. Apparently, that's what "they" tell him. He doesn't have visual hallucinations.

To be honest, I can't say for certain if it's only this bad when he misses a dose. It's so unpredictable. When he's okay, and we think he's just sitting there watching TV, smiling and quietly chatting with "them" (he never says more than a sentence to us), he'll take his medicine without much fuss. But there's a catch... His sleep schedule is all over the place. Sometimes he won't sleep all day, and then he'll crash for 15 hours straight. My mom doesn't want to wake him up to give him his meds. The doctor supposedly told her not to wake him, just to give it to him as soon as he wakes up. But then he ends up not taking his medication on a regular schedule. Is that a problem? Does he have to take them at the exact same time every day? Maybe that's our biggest mistake right here.

Also, he used to see his psychiatrist pretty frequently, maybe once a week. They would talk for a bit, the doctor might adjust a medication, and that was it. He took Haldol once, but he stopped because it gave him headaches. He had a decent relationship with the doctor, but mostly because the doctor was probably the only person with the patience and strength to listen to his made-up stories. Lately, those visits have become rare. The doctor didn't complain, but now he barely goes at all. I can't remember the last time he saw someone. No one is monitoring his medication or anything like that. Living on an island makes everything even harder.

But I truly believe we can help him enough so that he can live in the real world again—so he can realize these are hallucinations, fight back, and understand that he needs to manage his own medication. Maybe he could even live a normal life. Am I being unreasonable? We're all sitting at home wondering what to do. I was thinking about sending him to a clinic so he can be under professional supervision for a while, where doctors can figure out exactly which medication works best and at what dosage. Where should we go? I honestly have no idea what to do. I know that what we've been doing isn't working. He can't fight this battle for himself, so it's our responsibility to do it for him.

I hope someone reads this long post, comments, and maybe offers some advice so I can help him.

Thanks
Kenneth Price74 Kenneth Price74 Active Member
61 messages
joined Oct 2007
#1852 ·
There is absolutely no way he’s that irrational and unwell without having been hospitalized at some point. Is it possible his family isn't being entirely honest?
Alex Ruiz4 Alex Ruiz4 Newcomer
5 messages
joined Jan 2008
#1853 ·
I didn't say it’s absolutely impossible to get him to see a doctor. It’s more like there’s zero chance we can just tell him he has to go today and expect him to actually show up. Mom has tried nudging him a few times in the meantime, but nothing has worked. Her plan is to go to the clinic herself and talk to the doctor about what she’s seeing—which meds seem to help and what he’s been saying. I also think it's worth noting that his condition improves drastically in the summer. When the weather gets warm, the neighborhood comes alive, people are out and about, he can go swimming... he’s so much, much better. He goes to the beach, grabs coffee, takes walks... he really thrives on that. He mostly just talks to himself. Basically, his environment makes a huge difference. In the summer, I can even have a little chat with him, and living with him isn't even a major struggle. You might hear him talking to himself occasionally, but he’s usually in a good mood. If we ask him to quiet down because it's bothering us, he’ll actually listen and settle down. But in the winter? He just snaps at us with a "get lost!" or some profanity, telling us to leave him alone because we "just don't understand" how he feels...

Damn, what are we supposed to do?
Alex Ruiz4 Alex Ruiz4 Newcomer
5 messages
joined Jan 2008
#1854 ·
@Kenneth Price74

How can you say the family isn't doing enough? Are you suggesting we should have just hauled him off to a hospital? My mom talked to the doctors, but nobody really pushed her to believe that was the right call. It’s almost like there's this unspoken assumption that he’s beyond help... You might not realize this, but out here in rural towns, people often rely on just talking to themselves to get by. The locals just get used to seeing them like that, and that's it. Honestly, I feel like this whole small-town atmosphere is part of the problem. Our doctor is a local who sees my brother all the time—whether he's out on the road or just passing by. She sees him laughing to himself. But no one ever takes any initiative... I've been reading stories about people where, if they miss their meds, the police or an ambulance show up to drag them away. That's why I'm staying hopeful; he's much calmer than those cases. My brother doesn't really have "classic" episodes... at least, they aren't that intense.
Eric Brown23 Eric Brown23 Member
27 messages
joined Nov 2007
#1855 ·
Alex Ruiz4 said:@Kenneth Price74

How can you say the family isn't doing enough? Are you suggesting we should have just hauled him off to a hospital? My mom talked to the doctors, but nobody really pushed her to believe that was the right call. It’s almost like there's this unspoken assumption that he’s beyond help... You might not realize this, but out here in rural towns, people often rely on just talking to themselves to get by. The locals just get used to seeing them like that, and that's it. Honestly, I feel like this whole small-town atmosphere is part of the problem. Our doctor is a local who sees my brother all the time—whether he's out on the road or just passing by. She sees him laughing to himself. But no one ever takes any initiative... I've been reading stories about people where, if they miss their meds, the police or an ambulance show up to drag them away. That's why I'm staying hopeful; he's much calmer than those cases. My brother doesn't really have "classic" episodes... at least, they aren't that intense.

Look, man, here's the deal—you and your mom need to actually learn about what you're dealing with if you want to handle his psychoses and delusions effectively. I've been through the ringer with this myself, so I know how it goes. Psychosis is a nasty, unpredictable beast; the mood swings can be brutal. It’s the kind of illness that paralyzes an entire household because you never know what’s coming next. Your best bet is to research—right now, Pfizer's website has some decent info on it. Go look it up. If you and your mom aren't educated on this, it's going to be impossible to help him. Beyond the facts, though, you need a massive amount of patience and love, regardless of the delusions. You have to try to steer him toward positive things and make sure he feels respected, even with whatever chores he’s doing around the house. Without family support, he's stuck—this stuff is too volatile for that. Trust me, I'm speaking from experience: support, understanding, and staying positive are everything. Get educated so you can actually help him become independent...
You have to make sure he takes his medication. Have your mom wake him up, give him his dose, and then let him go back to sleep... that's just how those meds work—I personally sleep like the dead when I'm on them. If you have more questions, just ask; I'll do my best to answer.
Kenneth Price74 Kenneth Price74 Active Member
61 messages
joined Oct 2007
#1856 ·
Patients on Risperdal and Lexapro are rarely managed through outpatient care.
If you, as his family, aren't even sure what's going on with him, then he is truly screwed. ☕
Alex Ruiz4 Alex Ruiz4 Newcomer
5 messages
joined Jan 2008
#1857 ·
It’s honestly wild how much love and understanding he gets from everyone. We all bend over backward at home to accommodate him—we don't push his buttons, and we barely even complain. He actually gets along fine with us; it's not like he holds anything against us. The whole house really tries, and he’s usually quite cheerful—especially during the summer, he's almost always in good spirits. The issue is that he isn't really living in this reality. Sometimes things get heavy for him, and he falls into these deep bouts of sadness. It usually happens when the seasons shift from summer to winter, but it can happen anytime. During those episodes, he just cries and sobs, and he won't let anyone near him because he feels like we're intruding. He’s completely lost in whatever is going on inside his own head. But he doesn't lash out physically or anything like that.

I'll check out the Pfizer website. Thanks. I might reach out again if I need more info. Tell me though—if even his own family can't figure out what's wrong, is he really in bad shape?

He’s been diagnosed with schizophrenia, some specific type, though I'm not entirely sure which one. He deals with auditory hallucinations and imagines all sorts of things. My main concern is that nobody seems to be taking a specialized, proactive approach to it. No one is truly monitoring his condition. Things weren't much better in the beginning; he'd chat with a psychiatrist here and there, but nothing substantial ever came of it. Even back then, I had this nagging feeling that no one believed any real progress could be made.

I'm not even certain if his current meds are the best fit, since I'm not 100% sure if his behavior is directly tied to them. I'll tell my mom to make sure he takes them strictly on schedule. Right now, it's Risperdal and Lexapro... what's the deal with those? Are they safe? Are they considered high-quality options, or should he be looking into a third alternative? He took Haldol before, but it gave him terrible headaches. Are those among the strongest antipsychotics out there?

Also, where am I supposed to take him? He isn't acting out or losing control, so I don't think a hospital ward is the right move. Maybe some kind of specialized outpatient facility? Does something like that exist? Where would I find it?
Kenneth Price74 Kenneth Price74 Active Member
61 messages
joined Oct 2007
#1858 ·
Alex Ruiz4 said:It’s honestly wild how much love and understanding he gets from everyone. We all bend over backward at home to accommodate him—we don't push his buttons, and we barely even complain. He actually gets along fine with us; it's not like he holds anything against us. The whole house really tries, and he’s usually quite cheerful—especially during the summer, he's almost always in good spirits. The issue is that he isn't really living in this reality. Sometimes things get heavy for him, and he falls into these deep bouts of sadness. It usually happens when the seasons shift from summer to winter, but it can happen anytime. During those episodes, he just cries and sobs, and he won't let anyone near him because he feels like we're intruding. He’s completely lost in whatever is going on inside his own head. But he doesn't lash out physically or anything like that.

I'll check out the Pfizer website. Thanks. I might reach out again if I need more info. Tell me though—if even his own family can't figure out what's wrong, is he really in bad shape?

He’s been diagnosed with schizophrenia, some specific type, though I'm not entirely sure which one. He deals with auditory hallucinations and imagines all sorts of things. My main concern is that nobody seems to be taking a specialized, proactive approach to it. No one is truly monitoring his condition. Things weren't much better in the beginning; he'd chat with a psychiatrist here and there, but nothing substantial ever came of it. Even back then, I had this nagging feeling that no one believed any real progress could be made.

I'm not even certain if his current meds are the best fit, since I'm not 100% sure if his behavior is directly tied to them. I'll tell my mom to make sure he takes them strictly on schedule. Right now, it's Risperdal and Lexapro... what's the deal with those? Are they safe? Are they considered high-quality options, or should he be looking into a third alternative? He took Haldol before, but it gave him terrible headaches. Are those among the strongest antipsychotics out there?

Also, where am I supposed to take him? He isn't acting out or losing control, so I don't think a hospital ward is the right move. Maybe some kind of specialized outpatient facility? Does something like that exist? Where would I find it?

Just braves!
Alex Ruiz4 Alex Ruiz4 Newcomer
5 messages
joined Jan 2008
#1859 ·
Look, I’ll definitely take suggestions if nobody points me toward a suitable location. I don't see what the issue is. I'm talking to people here who likely have the best insight into finding the right spot for him.
Kenneth Price74 Kenneth Price74 Active Member
61 messages
joined Oct 2007
#1860 ·
I’d suggest you spend a month in a psychiatric ward; instead, you’ll just sit there and wait to see what everyone else decides for you. 👍 ☕

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