Patient's question:
My wife has a mental illness and has been taking clozapine for several years. Now she takes 7-8 tablets a day. This medication has significant side effects. Are there any Chinese herbal medicines that can replace it? We are planning to have a child.Doctor's answer:
Chlorpromazine and other antipsychotic Western medicines have a dependence, and they cannot be stopped without other drugs as substitutes, otherwise the condition will relapse. This is because they treat symptoms but not the root cause. Additionally, they have significant side effects and can harm liver, kidney, brain, and other functions. Therefore, it is not advisable to conceive a child while taking these medications, as they can have adverse effects on fetal growth, development, and intelligence. Moreover, your wife is currently taking a substantial dosage, and under these circumstances, the risk of conceiving and giving birth is very high.Regarding your wife's condition, I recommend introducing her to Chinese herbal treatments that have no side effects or dependence. Under the effect of Chinese herbal medicine, gradually reduce and phase out the current chlorpromazine dosage in stages. After the chlorpromazine is completely discontinued, you can then consider conceiving and giving birth.