Question

Describe the initial treatment and maintenance pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia.

Draw a timeline for 2 to 4 weeks, 6 to 8 weeks, and 8 to 12 weeks and fill in the expected outcomes for drug therapy at each of those intervals

Answer 1

An acute episode of schizophrenia typically responds to treatment with antipsychotic agents, which are most effective in its treatment. Conventional antipsychotics are now used less frequently, because of their only partial efficency and adverse effects. Some non complaint patients may recieve fluphenazine or haloperidol depot formulations. Those are long acting IM doses that release the drug gradually over several weeks.

Clozapine may cause agranulocytosis a potentially fetal blood disorder marked by a low white blood cell count and pronounced neutrophil depletion. Other drugs which are used in the treatment of schizophrenia are antidepressants, mood stebilizers, benzodiazepines etc.

During 2 to 4 weeks of treatment patient shows depressive symptoms such as decreased physical actvity and depressive mood. Also patient show severe side effects of drug.

6to 8 week the expected outcome is to patient become relieef from symptoms and know themself.