From ‘FITZROY’
Now we have reduced his medication, Richard is getting on with his life
Richard lives in one of our supported living services in Nottingham. We spoke to area manager Kim and service manager Nicola who have been working closely with Richard since he joined us.
Kim said: “When Richard first came to us, he had previously been sectioned under the Mental Health Act. He was heavily medicated and was struggling, he was hair pulling or would raise his hands and say ‘Attack’, and would continually ask for medicine. Unfortunately, the medications he was prescribed were exacerbating his problems, leading to the prescription of even more medications. It became a vicious cycle of ‘this one isn’t working, let’s add another.’
“Due to the side effects of his medications, Richard would spend a considerable amount of time sleeping. Some days, he would sleep for up to 22 hours, leaving him drowsy and inactive. He rarely left his room or the house, and even getting up and showered before midday was a challenge.
“We put together a four-week plan to safely taper off one of his medications, and since then he has become more active, regularly going outside, playing basketball and football, and visiting the local shop almost every day.
“Since reducing his medication, Richard has been a lot more alert, he’s been able to build proper relationships.”
Richard’s dad added: “We have seen a big improvement with Richard, especially over the last two weeks. Before his medication was reduced, we would try to take him out but he wouldn’t go anywhere, now Richard will go out with his brother and me, walk to the local pub and happily sit outside, and have a drink.”