Switch support
"I've been on the same antipsychotic for years, but sometimes my side effects are very bad. I've heard that there are lots of different antipsychotic drugs available. . Should I make a change? And what does it involve?"
There is no simple answer to this tricky question. If you are not doing well on your antipsychotic, doctors might recommend you try a different type of antipsychotic. Often patients not doing well on older, ‘typical’ antipsychotics might be considered for the newer ‘atypical’ medications. If you are not satisfied with your antipsychotic medication, don’t delay talking to your doctor about it (especially is you are experiencing side effects or symptoms).
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How switching is done
Switching medication can be a slow process. Doctors tend to introduce new medication at a low dose. They may stop the old medication before doing this or they may slowly raise the dose while gradually lowering the dose of the old medication before discontinuing the old drug altogether. This is called cross tapering.
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Keeping track
Psychiatrists and healthcare professionals are responsible for the care and treatment of many different patients. . Some patients start seeing a new psychiatrist in the middle of a cross taper. In such situations, it is possible to lose track of whether the patient is cross tapering medication or whether the doctor prescribed a combination of medications.
Helping to keep track will avoid potential problems.
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What you can do
Patients and family members can help keep track of their medication by maintaining a dialogue with the doctor. You may find it helpful to:
- keep a detailed record with information of when you start and stop taking any medication
- include details on the dosage of the medication you are taking
- add cross tapering information
- ask your doctor whether s/he is planning to reduce or increase any medications in the near future
- taking a note of when the doctor suggests you change the dose of your medication
- add a note of when you need to take your medication and write down when you have taken your medication
- take your medication at regular times, as prescribed by your doctor
- keep on taking your medication and cross taper as prescribed by your doctor
- take your record to the doctor to talk about your medication.
