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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Should 'hydroxyzine Hydrochloride' Be Taken For Schizophrenia?

Hello doc...My brother is dignosed with schizophrenia ,just want to know the best counselling for him in delhi,and also want to know that the medicine he is taking is helping but how long will he has to continue the medicine,the medicines are :-
hydroxyzine hydrochloride 25 mg
trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride tbs
divalproex sodium delayed release tbs USP 500 mg
amisulpride tbs 200mg
quetiapine fumarate tbs ip 200 mg .As he is putting on weight too is because of these medication.If Yes,so Please advice on any dietary requirements.
Wed, 6 Aug 2014
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
hiiii

hydroxyzine is not use for schizophrenia
it is antiallergic drug
so there is some misunderstanding

regarding other drugs

amisulpiride and quitipine both are anti psychotic and use in schizophrenia

yes there is chance of increase in weight due to divalpro and quitipine
but not in amisulpiride

regarding duration of treatment,, it depends upon severity of illness, duration of illness and no of episodes etc
best judge by your psychiatrist because he knew everything about your illness
detail evaluation needed to take decision regarding duration of treatment

ask him and take advise
take care
get well soon
thank you
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Psychiatrist Dr. Ashutosh Singh's  Response
Hello,
Thanks for choosing Healthcaremagic.
Schizophrenia is a chronic illness with remissions and relapses. Regular compliance with medications and other precautions are needed, as is needed with any other chronic illness like hypertension and diabetes.
As per the information given by you... Amisulpiride and Quetiapine are the antipsychotics used primarily in the treatment of schizophrenia. Divalproex sodium is a mood stabilizer, also used as adjuvant in schizophrenia. Trihexiphenidyl is used to counter the side effects of antipsychotics and Hydroxyzine is used in psychiatry for treating anxiety.
Patient will have to continue taking antipsychotics for a longer time as these drugs also prevent future relapses. Rest of the medications can be tapered off by your psychiatrist as per the patients condition. Also doses of antipsychotics can be reduced when patient's social and occupational functioning is optimal.
Regarding the weight gain Divalproex sodium, Quetiapine and also Amisulpiride can lead to weight gain.
For weight gain you can consult with your psychiatrist to try Aripiprazole or Ziprasidone which do not cause weight gain in most of the patients.
Also deitary modifications and regular exercise is must.
Exercise whatever done even walking should be brisk to cause sweating and should be increased gradually.
In diet apart from avoiding high calorie items, it is very important to have adequate breakfast and medium lunch, these 2 meals shouldnt be reduced much. Dinner has to be the reduced to a smaller meal of the day.
You can consult your psychiatrist for a more detailed advice or you can let me know if you need any more information.
Regards
DR. ASHUTOSH SINGH
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How Long Should 'hydroxyzine Hydrochloride' Be Taken For Schizophrenia?

hiiii hydroxyzine is not use for schizophrenia it is antiallergic drug so there is some misunderstanding regarding other drugs amisulpiride and quitipine both are anti psychotic and use in schizophrenia yes there is chance of increase in weight due to divalpro and quitipine but not in amisulpiride regarding duration of treatment,, it depends upon severity of illness, duration of illness and no of episodes etc best judge by your psychiatrist because he knew everything about your illness detail evaluation needed to take decision regarding duration of treatment ask him and take advise take care get well soon thank you