My 22-year-old son suffers from schizophrenia. He is not willing to take any medication because he does not accept the fact that he has this illness. So I have to put Haloperidol drops into his drink. But this causes tremors. Is there a more modern medication with fewer side-effects to treat it? Amitrex and Risperdal have a strong taste. Is there anything else without any taste?
Introducing Mood 24/7, a new tool that helps you track your mood from day to day using your mobile phone. Try it today!
Q: Is there a medication for schizophrenia in the form of drops/solution without any taste?
Answers (2)
1/ 5/09 9:35am
HI Eva,
I agree with Carolyn, the point is not to find a medication free of any aftertaste and side effects, but for your son to be willing to the medication that will enable him to have a good life, even with side effects. A doctor can work with your son on techniques to minimize side effects.
Please, read the Xavier Amador book, I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help, which will coach you in how to say what you say to your son to help him see that taking meds would enable him to achieve a life goal. I'm keeping a running ticker of every person who "Ask"s the questiona bout how to convince someone who is in denial to take the meds.
You are question #17 in six months. I will tell you what I told the others: anosognosia, or the lack of awareness that one has an illness, affects up to 50 percent of the people diagnosed with schizophrenia, and is a symptom. Read the Amador book to find ways to encourage your son to take the meds.
You are not alone. Question #18 is going to appear in this forum shortly after yours, and I will tell the family member the same thing about how to go about talking to their loved one.
Lastly, please do not keep trying to convince your son he is sick. That isn't the goal; the goal is medication compliance, and statistics prove that if someone sees a benefit in taking the meds, even if he doesn't believe he's sick, he will take the pills.
Best regards,
Christina
1/ 3/09 5:33pm
Eva, there are "depot injections" that can be taken every 2 to 4 weeks instead of taking pills. There is also an under-the-tongue (sublingual) Zyprexa Zydis, but I take it and there is some aftertaste. It dissolves quickly in the saliva and so would probalby also dissolve in any other liquid. Most of the antipsychotics, the atypical or newer type, and the older types, have some sort of side effect. These range from tremors, as your son has, to weight gain, agitation, and a host of others. I also had tremors on Haldol.
Since your son is 22, is his schizophrenia causing him any problems in reaching his life goals like stable relationships, college, a career, etc? If so, try to reason with him that medication (despite the side effects) can help him reach these goals. The earlier he is given medication, and the more compliant he is in taking it, the better his chances are of recovery. Many people at this site can attest to that.
It is not uncommon for people with schizophrenia to deny it...for a number of reasons. But it is wonderful that you care so much about him and for him that you are seeking information and help. I know it is hard to reason with him, but like I said, try the "are you reaching your goals" question and see what happens.
Best wishes.
Carolyn
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
