instruction: hi doctor I am schizophrenic but recovered I would like to know what next after recovering symptomatically functionally and cognitively over years now do I get to gradually taper off my medications do I get back the level of energy I had during my pre psychotic period before my first relapse
output: hello good to know that you have recovered from schizophrenic episode you can gradually improve your functioning by following a bio psycho social rehabilitation model if this is first episode psychosis many guidelines suggest continuing antipsychotics for 2 years after remission of symptoms discuss with your doctor about gradually reducing olanzapine it needs to be done very cautiously under supervision and monitoring to prevent any relapse of psychotic symptoms if you had already had a relapse it is advisable to continue on antipsychotic medication for a longer period at the lowest possible effective dose so there is no straight answer to your question about tapering medication apart from medication try to get some therapy counselling to help you manage with sustained recovery also try to gradually get back into education training or some job to improve your functioning take it easy during the remission period also ensure that you follow a healthy diet sleep adequately and exercise regularly hope this helps take care