Schizophrenia belongs to the category of mental illnesses, and it is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and problems with behaviour. Typical and atypical (newer) antipsychotic medications are used to treat the cases of schizophrenia.
Antipsychotic drugs are prescribed to prevent the recurring symptoms and relieve the patient’s state. It is more common today to prescribe atypical antipsychotic medications to treat schizophrenia because of fewer side effects in comparison with the typical antipsychotic medications (Perry et al., 2007).
Harry suffers from schizophrenia and such hallucinations as hearing voices which become stronger in spite of the medical treatment. Harry was prescribed to take Risperdal, Zyprexa, Seroquel, and Geodon in order to relieve the symptoms. However, he did not notice the observable positive effects of the treatment provided.
Risperdal, Zyprexa, Seroquel, and Geodon are the newer antipsychotic medications which are discussed as atypical antipsychotic medications. In spite of the fact Harry tried several therapies using different atypical antipsychotic medications, the symptoms were not eased, but they became even more sever. That is why, Harry should be proposed the alternative antipsychotic drug treatment.
If atypical antipsychotic medications do not work in relation to Harry’s case, it is possible to start using the typical medications such as Thorazine or Trilafon. These medications are effective to cope with schizophrenia’s symptoms regulating the balance of brain chemicals (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2010). However, Harry should be informed about the possible side effects.
The patient can suffer from sleepiness, insomnia, blurred vision, extrapyramidal symptoms, and dry mouth. Thus, the state of Harry’s mental and physical health, and his reaction to the medication should be controlled on a regular basis. The problem is in the fact that Harry feels depressed because of hearing voices constantly. Much attention should be paid to the possible intensification of the nervousness or depressed moods.
The main ethical concern which should be addressed in Harry’s case is the provision of the opportunity to decide about the usage of this or that typical medication with references to the side effects because Harry cannot rely on the doctor’s choice completely.
Ralph suffers from visual hallucinations such as ‘glitters’ and ‘flashes’. While taking the medications, Ralph became to suffer from the extrapyramidal symptoms. Ralph was prescribed to take Mellaril. In spite of the fact the schizophrenia symptoms were treated successfully, the side effects were significant and prevented Ralph from his usual activities.
Mellaril belongs to the group of the typical antipsychotic medications, and extrapyramidal symptoms are characteristic for this group of medications (Perry et al., 2007). Mellaril is highly effective to treat the schizophrenia symptoms, but the treatment can be changed in order to meet the patient’s interests and reduce the possible side effects.
The atypical antipsychotic medications can be effective in overcoming such symptoms as ‘glitters’ and ‘flashes’. The risk of developing the side effects is minimal, and the patient can start suffering only from drowsiness and dizziness.
However, such a side effect as blurred vision can be unwanted in relation to the patient’s problems with visual hallucinations. That is why, Ralph should be informed in advance about the possible worsening of the state associated with changing the medication type.
Ralph can reject the usage of a new medication because of uncertainty about the treatment’s effectiveness. Moreover, Ralph experiences difficulties in his social life that is why it is necessary to resolve such an ethical concern as Ralph’s participation in therapy programs to decrease the level of the patient’s stress.
References
Perry, P. J., Alexander, B., Liskow, B. I., & DeVane, C. L. (2007). Psychotropic drug handbook. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Preston, J. D., O’Neal, J. H., & Talaga, M. C. (2010). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.