If your doctor won't review your medication
You might not feel that your GP or psychiatrist is listening to your comments about the medicines you take. You might also feel that they are not prescribing you modern, more expensive medicines because they feel they cost too much.
If this is the case, it is worth reminding your doctor about the guidelines of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence about schizophrenia.
These were published in 2002 and say that:
- Your doctor should discuss the benefits and side effects of drugs with you
- The decision about which drug to take should be taken jointly by you and your doctor
- Doctors and nurses should work in partnership with service users and carers
- Your doctor should give you good quality information about your treatment
- Treatment should be given in an atmosphere of hope and optimism
- An early response should be given to those seeking help
If you do not feel that you are getting enough information about your drug, or your doctor is not taking your views about different drugs seriously, then it is worth reminding them about these guidelines.
For more information...
There is more information about them in
Rethink’s Only the Best Guide – phone
The Mental Health Shop on 0845 456 0455 or visit their website at
www.mentalhealthshop.org for a copy.
If this does not work, you might want to consider
Getting a second opinion
