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Forums » Smalltalk » AMA: Parent to a Son with a Severe Mental Illness

Hi!

My son has Schizophrenia, and he is one of the rare cases where it developed at an extremely young age.

I’m in a group called Angry Moms. We’re trying to get our voices heard. Our main goal right now is related to a prescription medication called Clozapine.

I’m an open book. AMA!
Hi! I have a brother with severe autism. If you don't mind me asking, what is your life like? And can you elaborate more on your goal about Clozapine?
Hello, Stormie! ^_^

Thank you for sharing that, and for your dedication to raising awareness and advocating for your son and others who face similar challenges. It’s really inspiring that you’re part of a group like Angry Moms working to amplify voices and make change. Schizophrenia, especially when it develops so early, is incredibly tough to navigate.

Since your group is focused on Clozapine, I’d love to know more about what you’re working on. Are you advocating for better access to Clozapine, raising awareness of its potential, or addressing specific issues like side effects or the challenges with prescribing it for younger patients?
Stormiedayz Topic Starter

For the most part, our life is pretty sweet; however, a doctor took my son off Clozapine and we went through the most horrible time of our lives. He was completely psychotic, delusional, paranoid, and violent. We now have a doctor in another state who is simply amazing. He is a big advocate for Clozapine.

My son has to have monthly lab work drawn to keep an eye on his neutrophil (white blood cells) count. Clozapine can lower the count.

Clozapine is the only thing that works for some people with the illness, yet because of all the requirements involved with dispensing and taking the medication, many doctors won’t prescribe it. It has a stigma attached to it. We are trying to change the stigma and the reporting requirements.

Clozapine is the only antipsychotic that doesn’t increase the risk of suicide.
Stormiedayz Topic Starter

The amazing doctor we have treats the side effects with other medications and by pushing his patients to be more physically active and to make healthier diet choices.

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