Schizophrenia

I would say start slow on the medication... I have taken various medications for depression and some make you feel different while others have been hardly noticeable. But sometimes when you go off of them it is worse. I do not have schizophrenia, but I can do my best to answer questions about depression drugs and affects.

Kw i just joined this site today and also have schizophrenia I have been diagnosed since I was 23 and have reached 40 this year.  I suggest that you speak to your zombie issue with your doctor and try to find a happy medium.  Let him/her know that you would like to stay off of certain meds such as risperdal or invega which has very similar side effects.  Perphenazine has worked for me for the past 10 yrs but I always found that this disease will stay with you and eventually wear us down.  Stronger meds may be required as you get older.  

@UnschathedSpade7‍ great advice! Glad someone could offer more than I could.

Good luck with your search for meds I've tried numerous meds and have found the side affects are worse than the voices and actually made my issues worse, it is worth a try depending on your situation. I wish you the best.

Glad to hear about meds for schizophrenia, the choice of being on meds is in my near future. I really do wonder if the medication is worth it or not. 

I am writing because I just got the psychological assessment back on my 21 year old son that he has schizophrenic spectrum disorder.  Is this the same as just schizophrenia?  Are the symptoms the same?  I’m not really sure how to help him now.  The doctors told him that he cannot continue using marijuana or other substances if he wants his brain to heal.  He is currently taking vraylar 3mg a day.  Does anyone know how long he has to take this before we see results?  Can anyone recommend treatments as well?  Thank you!

Hello! My 24 yr old son was diagnosed in March with schizophrenia. Not sure if it’s the same condition. I would love more info on how to help my son staying in his meds( risperdol. He was also told to stop using marijuana . If you have any results from anyone on how to help will you let me know please?

Hello Kafuller, my son is on vraylar and several other meds to help with anxiety and depression.  We have noticed a positive change so far.  He is also using an otc supplement NAC to help with withdrawals.  We had to take his truck keys a few months ago and the family takes turns getting him to college.  He used to sit in his truck for hours and smoke pot.  So this could be a trigger.  I also joined Allies in Recovery to teach me ways to help him and me.  You might want to look into that.  They have a different approach and hopefully it will help you and your son.

Hi Kafuller, also can he get an injectable shot for his ant-psychotic med?  

Hello vvandy, yes, he was given the shot but refused it after the 3rd one.