How can a patient overcome the withdrawal symptoms associated with antipsychotic drugs?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been taking medicines for schizophrenia for the last 16 years. I could not stop it earlier because my father was adamant about this. As a result, I got addicted to it. Now, whenever I try to stop it, the withdrawal effect of the medicine does not allow me to lead a normal life. My sleep is drastically affected. However, I think perfectly normal even without medicines. Medicine is taking a toll on me. My career is affected. I have been taking Quetiapine for the last 15 years. I want to live without medicines. Can it be possible?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If you are doing good and are symptom free, you can discuss with your doctor to stop taking medicines. Tablet Quetiapine is not an addicting medicine. The drug can be stopped by gradually reducing the doses. No need to get worried about that. The dose can be reduced by around 25 mg every two weeks. At around 10 to 12 weeks, the drug can be stopped completely, or you will be at a very low dose, like 25 to 50 milligrams per day.

You can talk with your doctor about that.

Thank you.