Which do patients prefer, injectable or oral antipsychotics do not have a definite answer. Have your dear ones also been in a dilemma about selecting the better option between oral and injectable antipsychotics? If you are also confused as to which one of the two is most appropriate for you, then you need to read this amazing article. Let us now begin the process of providing you with an answer for your loved ones about the long-acting injectable antipsychotics vs. oral antipsychotics. Those drugs whose effect lasts longer are known as long-acting injectable antipsychotics.
Benefits of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (injections):
We all are concerned about the pain of the injections and usually prefer medications. However, it is different for others. As research portrays, it gives them a sense of control over their lives. You also need to go to the doctor less often, and the injections are less painful. They also account for them to make them less embarrassed.
It also reduces the risk of your dear ones being admitted to the hospital and of being relapsed. As you know, they are not to be taken daily, it in itself becomes an advantage as it leads to fewer reminders of their disorder and leads to no need of whether or not they require to take them. Thus, it is also practical to take help from society and California Medical Behavioral Clinical Trials' mental health professionals. Due to the few doses to be taken, it also becomes easier to recognize if they have forgotten to take a dose.
Haven’t you noticed that they are less confused and uncertain regarding the medication? If your loved ones go to the doctor to take injections, it can lead to a better relationship and continuous regulation of their health by the doctor. They are more likely to take them regularly. There is also a reduction in their attempts at suicide. There are also fewer arrests of the patients who take injections. This also makes us understand the prevention of death due to them. In addition to it, they continue to take care of the patients even after being discharged from the hospital. Injections have a faster effect on patients.
As the patients keep taking the injections, it also provides their caregivers with hope and optimism. It also becomes possible for them to continue thinking about the longer goals with them. Further, it is also put forward as strength of treatment for mental illness. If you are convinced about injections being the best, wait till you go through the disadvantages of it.
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Disadvantages of injectable antipsychotics:
On the other hand, injectable antipsychotics is the reason behind patients prematurely ending visits to their doctor. It can result in a worsening of the patient’s condition. This warns us regarding the severity of the side effects of first-generation antipsychotics.
There can be pain and irritation where they have taken the injection. The side effects may take a longer period to be less intense. There is also stigma since the past, which is attached to it. Don’t they have less opportunity in switching long-acting injectable antipsychotics? One of the LAI named Risperidone requires to be kept in a refrigerator, which may not be possible in some regions.
It also takes a lot of time to be better through it. There is also pressure on them to keep visiting the clinic. Some patients might not be healthy enough to travel, and it might also be difficult for their family members to take them to the clinic. These injections also make them feel drowsy. They also experienced reactions by taking them. There are also chances of failure in their treatment. They are risky for the patients
Now that we have understood the benefits and the side effects of the long-acting antipsychotics, let us now move forward towards understanding oral antipsychotics.
Benefits of oral antipsychotics:
There is more research required to find the benefits of oral antipsychotics drugs.
Side effects of oral antipsychotics:
We have always preferred consuming medications over the pain of the injection, but now, it is time to rethink our decision. The individuals are more likely to stop taking medications or oral antipsychotics. Hence, there is a high risk of relapse and the requirement to be admitted to the hospital. They also need to be consumed daily. They can be less effective in some patients. Further, it becomes difficult for them to bear oral antipsychotics.
There are also chances of patients being addicted to it due to overconsumption of it. Their visits to the doctor are few. Therefore, there are lesser chances of their health being constantly checked by the doctor.
They also feel less healthy and need to constantly think about their doses. They also do not feel that they can do their hobbies again. They also do not give them a sense of control. Oral antipsychotics make them less empowered. It decreases their quality of life. Patients have found them to be less convenient. It also makes them more embarrassed. Their side effects include stiff muscles, headache, constipation, blurry vision, vomiting, feeling restless, and feeling tired, dry mouth, increase in weight, and high risk of heart problems and diabetes. These medications can also cause serious disabilities. There is a high possibility of children or infants consuming them by mistake.
Hence, whether a patient prefers injectable antipsychotics or oral antipsychotics depends on many factors. These factors include their residence, their comfort, ease, beliefs about it, how their body reacts to it, the easiness to visit the clinic, their thoughts and feelings about it, and the recommendation of their doctor. We understand how patients need to take into account several aspects by themselves for their better.
Therefore, it is not at all rational to force one’s decisions or make decisions for them with regards to their medical treatment. Which do patients prefer, injectable or oral antipsychotics haven’t you now got your answer?