Stopping the neuroleptics
There can be different reasons why a neuroleptic must be discontinued. However, the brain adapts to the changes caused by the use of neuroleptics, which is why abrupt discontinuation of a neuroleptic is not recommended and can be accompanied by severe side effects. It is very difficult to predict which side effects may occur in an individual case.
Psychological symptoms such as hallucinations or mood swings can occur. Psychotic symptoms often occur shortly after stopping the drug and usually improve within a few weeks. Sleep problems are also frequently reported.
In addition, so-called dyskinesias can often occur. This leads to disturbed movement sequences. It is possible that movements of the arms or hands are only uncontrolled and involuntary muscle twitches and movements occur.
General side effects that can occur concern the general condition and can manifest themselves in outbreaks of sweating, general malaise, dizziness, headaches and palpitations. If the intake of certain neuroleptics led to weight gain, weight loss may occur when the medication is discontinued. Overall, many and severe side effects can always be expected if high amounts of the drug have been taken over a long period of time.
Especially in these cases a slow discontinuation of the neuroleptic is essential to prevent strong side effects in the course of the disease. In general, neuroleptics should only be discontinued if the person concerned is psychologically stable and is in a stable living environment. A doctor can help to plan the discontinuation of the drug.
In general, a doctor should always be consulted before stopping a neuroleptic. Neuroleptics are prescribed for a variety of different clinical pictures. In addition to the classic psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, neuroleptics are also used to treat excitement, confusion or severe agitation and anxiety.
Thus many older people who suffer from dementia also receive neuroleptics prescribed.Particularly the frequently occurring states of excitement as well as other behavioral conspicuousness with dementia patients are to be treated by the gift of the Neuroleptika. Today one knows however that the gift of Neuroleptika leads with simultaneous dementia illness to a clearly higher mortality rate. Studies could show in addition that the dementia illness worsens even by the administration of Neuroleptika. Due to a different metabolism in older people, the side effects that can occur during therapy with neuroleptics are significantly more frequent than in younger patients. Before administering neuroleptics to elderly people with dementia, it should therefore always be considered whether the benefits of the treatment outweigh the risks and side effects associated with the therapy.
