drugs in jail...

[boundary]

My friend is in jail just now - he's being prescribed Suboxone as an opiate, and Serequil because they say that he has psychosis and schitzophrenia. (although he never had those symptoms before he became an addict). The thing is that now there has been a mix up, and he's not been getting enough Serequil  - now he's rambling, and hasn't got a handle on reality anymore. I think this was possibly brought on by his stress in there at the moment. What to do for the best ? Would it be a good idea to take Lithium at this moment in time? and is it a quick worker - he needs some help now! I don't trust the Medics; the last time they put him on Orlanzapine, and it was dreadful! And I think they're going to turn the clock back, and put him on Methadone! I would rather he went back on to Subutex. Any advice out there, please??

[jennlp29]

First who diagnosed him? When my husband went into jail They said he had latent t.b when he was released I brought him to health dept. N they retested him gave him chest xrays n he did not have active nor latent t.b..I would look into seeing if you can get him a furlough to go to a doctor a real doctor. I do not trust jail physicians or nurses and the fact that he is rambling and not with reality could also be side effects for mixing Suboxone with seroquel.Idk about other states but in Florida most jails do not treat withdrawing addicts and as well physicians who prescribe suboxin have to have a special license to do so because there are so many drug interactions with the suboxone..hope he finds the help he needs..I am not a doc. Or nurse its hust my personal opinion and not meant to offend anyone. .my mom is a nurse I love them just don't trust the ones who wrk in jails...good luck..

[Bubulous]

That sounds interesting....

How old is he now and when did the addiction start?  Who diagnosed him with schitzophrenia?
Like Nursegirl said we are not equipped to suggest medicine that would help as everyone is different.  If he is not mentally capable of advocating for himself than somebody I hope that he has a lawyer or a family member that can do it for him.

[nursegirl6572]

What kinds of drugs was he abusing?  Some drugs will cause psychotic symptoms, so I'm wondering if that could be contributing to his symptoms?

[nursegirl6572]

Well, it would be impossible for us (or you for that matter) to choose meds that would be best for him.  He obviously needs to be under the care of a good  psychiatrist, and while it seems he is receiving mental health care in the jail, I'm not sure how great it would be (I don't have any experience with that).  I've had a few friends who have worked as nurses in jails, and from what I understand, the medical care is pretty bare bones minimal.

How long will he be in jail?  Hopefully not too long...then he can seek out some more intensive mental health care on the outside.  He may even end up needing an inpatient hospitalization for a short while until he is straightened out.

Best of luck to your friend!