What happens if I go off my schizophrenia medications?

Filter 1 answers by contributor:

  • PRACTITIONER
  • GROUP
  • AUTHOR
  • TV PERSONALITY
  • ALL
  1. Dr. Douglas Severance
     
    Dr. Douglas Severance answered:
    If a person with schizophrenia stops taking his medications, he may experience a relapse of his symptoms. This sometimes happen when people feel that they have fully recovered and do not need the medications anymore. Relapses can also occur when people do not take their medications as directed. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who do not maintain medical treatment for schizophrenia might have more problems than those who manage their illness well. Some people with schizophrenia may do better receiving injectable medications for their illness, especially if they have trouble with medication compliance. Schizophrenia medications should not be stopped suddenly. If you have schizophrenia and your doctor advises you to discontinue your medication, be certain to follow the directions to slowly reduce your dose to avoid harmful results.
    More Related Answers from Dr. Douglas Severance
    If a person with schizophrenia stops taking his medications, he may experience a relapse of his symptoms. This sometimes happen when people feel that they have fully recovered and do not need the medications anymore. Relapses can also occur... More