Sister of a Schizophrenic Posted: 12-18-07 16:12pm
Hi:
Recently my mother passed away and I moved
out of state. I couldn't leave my older
brother (43) and he has moved in with my
family. I have a husband and 2 sons:
3months and 3years.
My brother takes 300mg of clozapine 2
times a day. He has some severe side
effects that I have noticed: excessive
drooling, sedation, memory loss, etc.
I feel like I have a third child at times.
He has wet his bed twice. I am currently
potty training my 3 year old son and I
remind my brother as much as my son to go
to the bathroom.
I am concerned about his memory. He is
hesitant to drive anywhere. I literally
drove him over and over to his day program
before he felt comfortable to take
himself. It basically is a straight ride
from my house to his program. He does not
want to venture off the route as he might
get lost. I feel like a chauffeur, carting
him to doctor appointments and stores.
He used to drive everywhere. When we are
driving I ask him of places look familiar
and he usually says no, even on roads we
drive everyday. He doesn't seem to be able
to concentrate and remember landmarks. is
this b/c of the medication he is on?
I bought him a cell phone but he cannot
remember how to use it.
He definitely has learning disabilities
and is socially clueless at times. I love
my brother but this is so hard.
I guess I am writing to you all b/c I have
no one else to talk to who understand
schizophrenia.
Anyone else taking clozapine? Dos it
effect your memory?
Thanks for reading this.
judi
|
Frangible
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 7
Posted: 12-28-07 18:18pm
According to the prescribing
information, salivation is a frequent
side effect (31% incidence) as is
drowsiness/sedation (39%). Incontinence
(1%) and memory loss (<1%) were listed
as less frequent side effects.
Unfortunately it may be difficult to
differentiate some of the side effects of
the drug from some of the symptoms of
schizophrenia, which impair memory and
learning.
Ultimately this is probably something best
discussed with his doctor, it may be that
the dose of the medication could be too
high or that another medication would work
better, as in the dose titration section
of the PI it notes that hypotension,
seizure, and sedation are effects that
careful dosing should minimize. 600mg
appears to be a fairly standard dose, but
there is a good deal of individual
variation in response to psychotropic
medication.
Reviewing his history and examining
correlations between memory, sedation, etc
and medication might also give you some
clues.
Good luck.
|
woops
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 222
Posted: 01-11-08 20:09pm
Do you think that you might get rid of
him?
Try and put him somewhere or just
completely kick him out one day?
It may be hard, but I think that you
should stick by him and make sure he has a
place to live, do you think that you can
do that?
You shouldn't care so much about being
sociable, that's rediculous.
|
Galaxy
Supporter
Joined: 15 Mar 2006 Posts: 512 Location: U.K,
Thanks: 5
Thanked:0
Posted: 01-26-08 20:14pm
Are schizophrenics allowed to drive? Or
is that a silly question? I know that
here in the UK, my epileptic friend is not
allowed to drive because he has
approximately 3 seizures every two years.
|
Philo
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 331 Location: Montreal
Thanks: 4
Thanked:0
Posted: 01-26-08 21:19pm
No one's stopping me from driving, but I
don't think I would do a good job. I will
probably never drive out of concern for
others. But I see posts on forums from
people who are completely bonkers and
they're still driving. This makes me
wonder every time.
|
Fairy*Godmother
Supporter
Joined: 11 Oct 2003 Posts: 1422 Location: , Georgia USA
Thanks: 61
Thanked:76
Hi Nat called me! Posted: 01-26-08 21:34pm
SISOFSCHIZ..........You sem to have a full
plate on your hands. Do you not ahve other
brothers or sisters who could help you
out? This is not fair on your part, as you
ahve a family of your own. I do understand
this is your brother, but you can't
possibly give 100% to your husband and
chikdren when yo uahve to wrooy about a 43
year old "brother child". I would look
into family and childrens services and
explain hte situation to them. They can
tell you what resources there are , its
possible your borther could live ina group
home and be 'independent", allowing him to
feel like a normal individual. You could
still have him come and visit you and your
family. I know several families who are in
this situation, and it has helped take a
burden and strain off them and their own
family situation. If he qualifies for a
state check, then he could find a
rehabilitation facility and have "his own"
place. I hope things work out for you. I
am so very sorry for your loss, as I
recently loss my parents as well. Just
grateful for my own family and
friends......HUGS!
