Regarding tapering off sz meds after years of use...
When I went to my psychiatrist on Tuesday, I told him that after just a couple of days off the Zyprexa and I can already feel the symptoms coming back. I asked him if that were the norm. He said, "Actually, no. Most people who have schizophrenia take a high dose of antipsychotics for several years and then are gradually able to taper down to a small dose and maintain on that. But you will never be able to do that. You will need to take a relatively high dose of meds from now on."
This surprised me. I thought most people with sz stayed on pretty much the same dose through the years and were seldom able to take less. What is your experience? Or what have you heard about this?
Hi Carolyn,
Some things to note:
I was on a low dose, barely a maintenance dose, of Stelazine for 20 years and it stopped working three years ago. Now I consider myself to be on a high dose of Geodon.
Someone I know who is in her early sixties is on Haldol, and her psychiatrist recently lowered her dose because he feels that she doesn't need a higher dose anymore because she is 62.
The reality is, some people who discontinue their SZ meds experience symptoms within three days of stopping the meds.
I wouldn't go by what is the "norm" for someone else because it might not reflect your individual needs. I know a person who is on 20 mg of Zyprexa, and another person who takes just 5 mg of Zyprexa.
Of course we would all like to go without the meds if possible or be on a low dose. That isn't always possible.
Another thing is the belief system of the psychiatrist. Some psychiatrists undermedicate, and others overmedicate, depending on their preference (which could be a lack of judgment).
Please do not feel poorly about the dose you're on as it's not a reflection of your progress, which has been inspiring. I know it's hard because for so many years I prided myself on being on only 5 mg of Stelazine. That was a risk I took because I was on such a low dose with all the stress in my life at the time.
I wish you to have some comfort today and hope I've answered your question.
Best regards,
Christina
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