Medication FAQs

Your patients with schizophrenia may have questions at any time. Encourage them to talk to their mental health prescriber about any questions they have, especially about medications, symptoms, side effects, and recovery. As a member of the treatment team, you can help your patients raise their concerns and communicate their needs.

• How do schizophrenia medicines work?

  Schizophrenia medications work by delaying relapses. Some medications, such as tablets or capsules, are taken orally by patients and are quickly absorbed by the body. Other medications, such as long-acting injectables, are injected by a treatment team member every 2 weeks, monthly, or less frequently, meaning the medication is released more slowly into the body over time.

• How will my patient know if a medicine is working?

  This will depend on what type of medication your patient is taking. One important factor to keep in mind while taking any medication is symptoms. Are symptoms getting better or worse? Monitor how your patient is feeling over time to make dose adjustments accordingly.

• What’s the difference between oral and injectable medicines?

  Oral medications, such as tablets, capsules, or oral solutions can be taken once a day or more frequently. Long-acting injectable medications (LAIs) need to be administered by a treatment team member during an appointment every 2 weeks, monthly, or less frequently. Short-acting injectable medications (SAIs) are usually used in crisis situations. Learn more about LAIs and other medications in the Treatment Options section.

• Will a shot hurt for my patient?

  Shots or injections can cause some discomfort and injection site reactions. You may have to weigh the pros and cons of the medication as well. If your patient is still uncomfortable about getting injections, try having them engage in a calming or distracting activity during the injection, like listening to music or a relaxation exercise.

• How often will my patient need to take medicine?

  How often a medication needs to be taken depends on the type of medication. An oral medication is usually taken every day. Injectable medications need to be administered less frequently because the medication gets absorbed slowly in the body. Some people like long-acting injectable medication because they don’t have to remember to take medication every day.

• What side effects does my patient need to watch out for?

  Patients should always discuss their concerns or questions about side effects with their mental health prescriber and treatment team members. Side effects depend on what kind of medication(s) the patient is taking. Talk to your patient about side effects, what to expect, and what to watch out for. Weighing side effects and symptoms is an important part of managing mental health conditions.

• How long will my patient need to be on medicine?

  Conditions like schizophrenia require life-long treatment with medication. There is no cure for schizophrenia, but it is treatable with medication. Talking through long-term goals with your patient will help inform what treatment(s) they need.

• Whom should my patients talk to if they have questions?

  Your patients can reach out to anyone on their treatment team if they have questions! A presciber, nurse, counselor, psychiatrist or psychologist, peer counselor, and/or therapist can help answer questions and offer support.