Medication Information

General Information

The drop down box below contains a variety of information on medication used in the treatment of Schizophrenia

Drug Information

The booklets contained in this drop down box below provide general information for patients and carers about the medication. However, these booklets are intended as a guide and should not be used in place of medical advice. For more specific advice about medication you should consult your doctor

These booklets have been reproduced with kind permission from Sherdley Unit Therapy Department 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Trust

St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust

SHARED CARE GUIDELINES FOR ATYPICAL ANTIPSYCHOTICS

• All atypical antipsychotics will be initiated by the psychiatrist
• Prescribing of clozapine will remain with the consultants in all cases
• After a period of 6 months, where there is proven therapeutic benefit and mental health is stable, the CMHT may wish to transfer prescribing to the GP
• A patient will only be transferred to the GP once the GP has agreed in each case
• The hospital recognises that a GP retains the right to refuse to share care. In this case, the consultant will retain total clinical responsibility for the patient, including prescribing.

Consultant responsibilities

• All treatment to be notified to GPs after assessments
• The GP will be sent a copy of the shared care guidelines, the relevant drug information leaflet and be invited to undertake the prescribing responsibility.
• The consultant will take responsibility for continued review of the patient. Monitoring may be by the CMHT worker
• The GP will be informed in writing of any changes to treatment within 1 week of appointment.
• If treatment is outside licensed dosage, prescribing responsibility will be returned to the consultant.

GP responsibilities

• The GP will ensure adequate knowledge of treatment prior to taking clinical responsibility
• The GP will issue a prescription according to the written instructions of the consultant
• The GP will report any problems or adverse effects of therapy to the consultant
• The GP will inform the consultant of any treatment prescribed for the patient which could affect the psychotropic treatment

Availability of support and advice

Consultant
Senior Registrar
Hospital pharmacist
Out-of-hours contact
LB August 1999