How to Compare Schizophrenia Medication

The first medication to treat schizophrenia came on the market in 1952. Since then, scientists have made significant advancements in drug development and new antipsychotic medications can help schizophrenia patients better manage their symptoms with fewer undesirable side effects. Before beginning a course of treatment, you must discuss schizophrenia medications with your prescribing doctor, making sure to compare the costs and benefits of each drug to find the best fit.

Instructions

1. Understand that there is no cure for schizophrenia before you research and compare medications. Antipsychotic drugs can effectively treat and control the illness, but do not guard against recurrence of its physical and mental symptoms.

2. Talk to your physician. Only qualified medical professionals can properly diagnose schizophrenia and prescribe appropriate medications. Ask your doctor for information about which medications he recommends so you can make a collaborative decision about your drug treatment plan.

3. Understand the side effects of so-called typical antipsychotics like Haldol and Thorazine. These drugs, whose development precedes 1990, generally carry several undesirable side effects, including sedation, a movement disorder called Tardive dyskinesia and, more rarely, liver problems and blood disorders.

4. Review the side effects of atypical, or newer antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia. Compared to their older counterparts, atypical antipsychotics, like Risperdal and Seroquel, tend to have fewer and less severe side effects. The most common serious side effect of these medications is significant weight gain, which may lead to diabetes, and a rare blood disorder.

5. Determine your level of insurance coverage for schizophrenia medications. Typically, generic medications, if available and included in your prescription formulary, are much more affordable than brand name drugs. After you compare costs, talk to your doctor about whether the least expensive medications can effectively treat your illness.

Tips & Warnings

• When you start a new schizophrenia medication, carefully read the literature that comes with your prescription. Monitor yourself for side effects and promptly report any concerning physical or mental symptoms to your doctor.

• Although the incidence of Tardive dyskinesia is much lower among those who take atypical antipsychotics, it is still a potential side effect of the newer drugs.

• Ask your doctor for samples of your prescribed schizophrenia medication to reduce costs.