How long the medication for schizophrenia be taken?
Patient: I am 40 years male. 10 years back I had an severe episode and the neuropsychiatrist had diagnosed me with schizophrenia and I have been treated. I had continued the medicine for more than one year and stopped. subsequents years I get episode on a yearly basis and had to consult psychiatrist and medication taken. For more than three years now I am not getting episode and since then I am on 2 mg respiredone daily. My psychiatrist whom I consult every two to three months told me to continue with the medication. I don't have the fear or anxiety anymore. how long should I continue the medication and what are the side effects if any with this medicine? Doctor: Hi I had gone through your query.Schizophrenia is psychotic illness and require long term treatment.It has poor prognosis so it may chance to get worse if you stopped down medicines.Usually 1st episode of schizophrenia may require treatment up to 2 to 5 years.2nd episode may require life long treatment.2 mg of resperidone is ideal maintenance dose and do not have such side effect.So it is good to continue it or do changes as per your treating psychiatrist advise.I hope i have answered your query.Still if you have query then feel free to ask.Thank you.