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Is it possible to withdraw from anti-psychotic meds and hold down a job at the same time?
What kinds of accommodations do employers make for such situations?
A loved one took an anti-psychotic for a number of years. After significant improvement, they were tapered off of it--not sure over how many weeks, and somewhere after...I do not recall the exact timing, they had another episode. Now they are back on an extremely expensive prescription. This whole experience has brought up more questions than answers. There is no apparent drug use or drug or alcohol history.
Since being put on the meds, there has been severe weight gain and multiple compulsive behaviors.
The research indicates that over time a higher percentage of people treated for psychosis do better off of anti-psychotics.
The research seems to indicate that withdrawal from anti-psychotics may precipitate psychosis. However, the hospital did not mention to extended family that the second "episode" may have been precipitated by withdrawal from the med rather than by the patient's condition.
I feel as though our family has been held captive by a rapacious medico-pharmoceutical complex.
Over 10 years we have spent down an inheritance, had our reputation marred by job loss and instability, and nearly lost hope for the future.
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In addition....(continued from my previous post)
Sorry for the ranting emotion, though the situation has been a struggle.
The expense and perceived medical and psychological impairment of the patient by using anti-psychotic drugs in part cause me to ask these questions.
However the patient does not yet have the desire to get off of the very thing that seems to be impairing relationship and career progress.
The Positive
On a positive note, a new psychologist has built trust and some real progress has been made over the past year; the patient's ability to have insight and to be mindful seems to be restored to some degree. Other factors including two years living with family, thus lowering the stress of housing costs and of living alone, as well as job success, have helped.
Concerns Still
The compulsivity associated with the medication concerns me. With the marked progress recently, compulsive set backs threaten to undo the progress toward a more fulfilling life. In addition with the patient showing no insight into the potential long-term side effects, is it the ethical choice for someone, myself or the medical team to suggest alternatives?
Any experience or thoughts or suggestions are welcome.