Explains what antipsychotics are used for, how the medication works, possible side effects and information about withdrawal.
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A depot injection is a slow-release form of antipsychotic medication. It's the same medication as the antipsychotic that comes in tablet or liquid form. But it is given as an injection in a liquid that releases it slowly, so it lasts a lot longer.
A depot injection might be a good option for you if:
You may also be given a depot injection if the healthcare professionals involved in your care agree that you need the drug, but think you may struggle to take it regularly in a different form.
But you will usually only be offered a depot injection if:
Not all antipsychotics are available as depot injections. See our antipsychotics A-Z or our page on comparing antipsychotics for information about the different forms available for each drug.
If you have depot injections, you may not pick up your own prescription for your medication. This may mean you are not given the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) which usually comes in the drug packet.
It's always a good idea to read the PIL carefully before taking any medication. So if you aren't given it you can ask for a copy from the person who gives the injection, or your doctor or pharmacist. Or you can see our antipsychotics A-Z for links to PILs for the different forms of antipsychotics, including depot injections.
This information was published in September 2020. We will revise it in 2023.
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