I have schizophrenia, and right now my biggest problem is work. I can’t stay at one job for long: I get tired very quickly, motivation disappears, concentration drops, and eventually I’m either fired or I quit myself.I’m afraid to take medications that strongly increase dopamine (stimulants, some antidepressants), because there’s a real fear of triggering psychosis and completely losing the ability to work. On the other hand, I don’t want to sit on my mom’s neck for long — it’s embarrassing. I’m already thinking that it would be easier to go to a psychiatric institution and live on my disability pension than to keep suffering like this.My psychiatrist only prescribes the classic “vegetable-makers” (heavy typical neuroleptics), which I refused — after them you basically become a human plant. I’m looking for more modern treatment regimens, but my doctor isn’t very familiar with them.Guys, has anyone dealt with something similar? Please advise on supportive medications or supplements that can help restore at least minimal work capacity, motivation, and energy, while being relatively safe in terms of the risk of provoking psychosis.I’ll be grateful for any experiences: what has helped specifically with negative symptoms (apathy, fatigue, anhedonia), what combinations with the main treatment you used, which medications/nootropics/vitamins/adaptogens, etc.Thank you in advance. It’s really hard.
I think a lot of us were working at one time then schizophrenia popped up. I’m against needless suffering I wrestled for awhile to go on benefits. I had health insurance paying for my pills at one time and I called them up and told them I don’t need their help. I was out of my mind who turns down free help. I was proud I thought I don’t need them. Everyday I was going more out of my mind. After a few weeks I called them back and begged for my free insurance back I told them I was proud and I’m crazy they reinstated it. I worked 3 jobs while schizophrenic. I’m glad I stopped working because now I have some semblance of sanity. It really affects your self image going on benefits. It’s like admitting to the world I’m disabled. I never felt that way even now I feel like I can do anything in my mind but reality says otherwise.
I also refused benefits and disability, but it’s hard to call this a heroic feat; in my case, the benefits are so meager that they wouldn’t have made a difference to me.
I think it is a bit of a trick question you are asking. After all these more powerful treatment methods as of now carry with them risk of increasing symptoms. But sure, somewhat safe methods are supplemental Sarcosine which has some evidence backing it up, partial agonist drugs such as Abilify, Rexulti and Vraylar. Then there is just Wellbutrin and plain old coffee, vigorous exercise and just forcing yourself. Some stimulants and nootropics might help too, but there are more risks involved in those. At best some upcoming drugs might offer some hope, but there is still ways to go before they enter the market.
I’m currently taking aripiprazole, peregabalin and ecitalopram - mostly for anxiety, but it’s supposed to help with apathy too, but I haven’t noticed much improvement yet.
Can’t really advise on drugs- but newer ones abilify, geodon, vraylar etc are less tranquilizing.
I was working and struggling at a hard job until I went off meds became psychotic and bought a cheap house to live on benefits. So far im doing ok on my own.
Look into NAC.
an animal study suggested that NAC may minimize the adverse effects of schizophrenia, such as social withdrawal, apathy, and reduced attention spans