Suggest Treatment For Schizophrenia While On Quetiapine And Colanapem

Posted on Tue, 28 Nov 2017

Question: Yes you can help. My son was diagnosed with Schizophrenia after 20 minutes with his first doctor. I see some of the signs for this illness. However I am wondering if the psychiatrist made this decision too quick? Should have taken more time before coming up with a diagnoses? He has been taking Quetiapine 400mg twice per day and Colanapem 2mg once per day. Now the doctor wants him to take Latuda as he feels this will provide better stability as the Quetiapine is nor as affective any longer.

What recommendation can you give to help us. What about therapy? Counseling? Outpatient help? We can use some more guidance.

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need some details.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns for your son.
A detailed interview is the only way to diagnose schizophrenia. Mostly, 20 minutes of examination may be a sufficient time for a experienced psychiatrist to diagnose schizophrenia.

However, I would still like to know the symptom details of your son so that we reach to a better management plan.

Also, please give details about the behavioural/symptomatic changes which you have seen in him before and after medical treatment (quetiapine and clonazepam).

Latuda is newer drug but I generally prefer to use time-tested drugs like risperdal or zyprexa in my patients. So I would choose these two over latuda.

Counseling is usually not helpful in psychosis if the psychotic symptoms are persisting.

He can be manage in outpatient if he is not homicidal or suicidal.

Hope to hear the details from you soon.

Regards.
Dr. Shubham Mehta.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (15 hours later)

My son does not like to be treated as if he has no feelings. He does not see hope in believing that he can live a normal life.

Sometimes he feels that no one cares any longer. As a parent it hurts and when I am around my peers sometimes they turn a deaf ear to my situation.

I am frustrated at times and need to be more positive and stronger for my son and family. I feel like I am doing this by myself at times. Also before medication he wanted to enter the neighbors home as he thought they were calling him. My oldest son was coming over to my home and my son who has the illnes asked my if he was Jesus and asked if I was XXXXXXX the Arch XXXXXXX I cried as I have never went through such a dramatic situation as this. It will humble even the strongest.Parents need support as well and outlets, peer meetings with other parents and caregivers; professional people who care enough to help everyone involved to see the positive as well as the negative aspects of mental illnesses.

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Change of medication needed.

Detailed Answer:
Unfortunately, mental illnesses are still stigmatized. Being a mental health professional, I can understand your suffering. It is as difficult for the parents as it is for their child who is having an illness like schizophrenia.

You have to be in best of your spirits all the time so that the home environment is positive for your son.

If his symptoms are persisting or recurring with the current treatment, changing a drug to another one is a wise choice.

I also understand that you need an outlet for your emotions and feelings. But it is better to motivate yourself than to expect others to do it. If possible, you can freely discuss your feelings here. I am here to extend my support in all possible ways.

Please do not discontinue his medications as this may lead to relapse of illness with more severity.

All the best.
Thanks.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana