medication
From a medical point of view, medication is an important part of treatment for symptoms such as voices.
However, among people who hear voices there are mixed views about medication. Some people say medication helps while others say medication can actually make life more difficult. Research also indicates that a significant minority of people will not be helped by medication, or can become unwell again even while taking medication.
common medication
The drugs most likely to be prescribed are a kind known as Neuroleptics or Anti-Psychotics. Most come in the form of tablets or syrup, while some come in the form of an injection. Injections in crisis are usually given in hospital, while a form called a Depot Injection is longer-acting and can be given anywhere including at home. The Depot is injected into muscle tissue and is slowly released over a period of a week to a month usually.
Some of the common drugs are: (This is not a comprehensive list)
Chlorpromazine Clozapine Flupenthixol
Haloperidol Olanzapine Risperidone
Sulpiride Thioridazine Zuclopenthixol
Your doctor, hospital pharmacists or some of the organisations listed at the end of the booklet can provide further information about these and other medical treatments.
These drugs work in different ways, usually in relation to chemical transmitters in the brain. They do not cure illnesses such as schizophrenia, but sometimes they can help reduce some of the worst symptoms including voices.
On the other hand some people say the drugs reduce the voices to whispers or incoherent mumbling, which can be more disturbing than being able to hear clearly what the voices are saying. In addition, some of the side-effects can be troublesome or even severe which again can make some people wary of medication.
Another difficulty is that because medication may help a person feel better they might stop taking it, which can sometimes result in them becoming unwell again. Similarly, voices may tell the person that they are better or that the medication is poison, so again they might be reluctant to take it.
In spite of this, it is important to remember that often the person does know what is best for him/herself.
A common criticism from service users and carers is that medication is often the only option for treatment offered by psychiatric services.
Recent evidence suggests that drugs are most effective when part of a wider treatment plan e.g.
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help with the daily activities of living
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reducing stress or finding more effective ways of dealing with it
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social support and acceptance
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support and information to family members and informal carers
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having a real say in one's treatment and care
