My brother (27) was diagnosed schizoaffective about six years ago and has never agreed to take medicine voluntarily because he believes it is poison. To my knowledge he has tried Invega injections, Abilify, Depakote, and Risperdal but only during involuntary stays in psychiatric facilities. He is prone to akathisia, which only feeds into his belief that the medicine they give him is poison. 

For those of you who struggled with accepting medication for a long time, but stay med compliant now, what helped you finally convince yourself to start taking meds regularly? Is there anything I can do, or any conversations I can have with my brother that might make it more likely he’ll come to his own conclusion to take medicine?

My brother is, unfortunately, one of the small number of people with schizophrenia who is potentially dangerous to others when unmedicated because of a hyperfixation on any woman who looks similar to a celebrity he idolizes. I am afraid that, if he continues to not take meds, it’s only a matter of time before he gets hurt or killed by one of the parents or partners of the women. 

Any advice, suggestions, and feedback about helping him get to med acceptance is welcomed with open arms.