A 28-year-old male with a diagnosis of schizophrenia has been stable on his medication for years. Recently, he has expressed a desire to stop his medication due to weight gain and feelings of sedation. How would you approach this situation?
It's important to discuss the risks of discontinuing medication, including the high risk of relapse, with the patient. However, his concerns about side effects are valid. Consider switching him to another antipsychotic with a lower side effect profile regarding weight gain and sedation. Incorporating lifestyle modifications or considering adjunctive medications to manage weight may also be helpful. As always, these decisions should involve shared decision-making with the patient.