Medication for Depression Schizophrenia

Many schizophrenics are homeless.

Schizophrenia is a disorder of the brain that causes auditory and visual hallucinations. This disorder also causes depression in afflicted patients which, in most cases, requires medication.

Anti-Psychotics

According to medicinenet.com, anti-psychotic medications, the most commonly prescribed medications for schizophrenia, have strong side effects that can be fatal if blood work is not done on a regular basis.

Mood Stabilizers

Schizophrenia.com states that schizophrenics are also prescribed mood stabilizers such as lithium or Depakote to ensure patients do not experience strong depressive episodes and cause harm to themselves.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, sedatives, are used to help schizophrenic patients relax or sleep. The drugs are physically and psychologically addictive and have many side effects.

Anti-Parkinsonians

Drugs such as Cogentin, anti-parkinsonians, are commonly prescribed in conjunction with anti-psychotics to alleviate their side effects, which include shaking, drooling, tremors and neurological tics.

Tips

Psychotropic medications always have side effects, and the ones used for schizophrenia are the worst. Consult with a physician and determine which medications, if any, are required.

References

• MedicineNet: Anti-psychotic Medications
• Schizophrenia: Information
• Emedtv: Anti-Parkinsonian Medications