The American
Psychiatric Association's "Guideline For The Treatment Of
Patients With Schizophrenia" states that "Antipsychotic
medications are indicated for nearly all acute psychotic episodes
in patients with schizophrenia."
Independently, you should also note that there is a significant overlap
in terms of the medications for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
(Manic Depression).
There are two main classifications of medications (from a layman's
perspective) the traditional antipsychotic medications (Haldol,
etc.), and the newer, "atypical" antipsychotic medications
that have come out in the past decade (Clozapine, Geodon, Seroquel,
Risperdal, Zyprexa, Abilify, etc.). We recommend you visit our (and
other) on-line support groups to learn what people are saying about
their success and problems with the different medications. We also
recommend you read as much as you can on the medications available,
and talk with a psychiatrist, to identify the medications that may
be appropriate. Keep in mind that while both the older and newer
medications can greatly help a person who has schizophrenia, they
all have significant side effects that vary by person and medication,
and they are unfortunately not yet a cure for schizophrenia.
Early Schizophrenia Diagnosis and Treatment Centers
