Taking The Drug Therapies

Question 0

Dosage

Answer 0

Initially assumed the higher the dose the better the clinical response but this is risky given the side effects.
An initial high dose is given which is gradually reduced to a maintenance level I help control side effects.
Known as ‘very low dose medication regime’.

Question 1

First Treatment

Answer 1

Drugs dr schizo must be given promptly.
Delays between onset of first symptoms and treatment can double the risk of early relapse.
Early treatment improves initial response but many patients wait more than a year to receive drugs.

Question 2

Relapse and Dosing

Answer 2

70% of first episode patients who respond to typicals will have a psychotic relapse that will plead to hospital admission, decline in functioning and increased disability and increased treatment resistance.
Trade off between high doses and side effects and low doses and relapses.
If carefully monitored relapses can be spotted and managed.

Question 3

Continuous Low Dose vs Intermittent Targeted Doses

Answer 3

Intermittent dosing can be subdivided into early warning sign intervention and crisis intervention.
Both kinds are less effective than continuous low dosing in preventing relapse.
Neuroleptics extend the periods between relapses but do not prevent them.
Relapse on maintenance level is 20% v 44% if withdrawn from meds.