Discontinuation of Antipsychotic Medication in Two Nursing Home Patients with Diagnosis of Schizophrenia

Antipsychotic medications are a vital part of controlling psychosis in schizophrenic patients. However, when those patients live in nursing facilities, we are obligated by CMS to undertake gradual dose reductions of antipsychotic medication if possible. Sometimes, these efforts are successful and sometimes they fail. Antipsychotic medications have many side effects, including sedation, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, weight gain, motor rigidity, impaired gait, and falls. Monitoring of blood glucose, lipids, and extrapyramidal symptoms is mandatory.