APRIL stands for Adverse Psychiatric Reactions Information Link. APRIL is a registered charity and provides information about Adverse psychiatric drug reactions (ADRs). If recognized quickly action may be taken to possibly prevent more serious consequences, such as worsening depression, psychosis, aggression, careless or suicidal behaviour.
Not everyone suffers from adverse effects as this depends on the individuals ability to metabolise the drugs.
Long term treatment for perceived mental illness may be prevented if the psychiatric adverse effects of many medicines is
recognized in time.
The medicines used to treat psychiatric symptoms are known as psychotropic, anti-psychotic or neuroleptic and can lead to further side effects too numerous to list. For severe psychiatric illness, these medicines may be required but are often prescribed in higher and higher doses when side effects are not recognized and are mistaken for a worsening mental state.
Some people become dependent on drugs which include pain killers, tranquilizers, newer antidepressants, psychotropic medicine and they need professional help to withdraw.
APRIL is supported by many doctors and professors who help with advice when needed. The thousands of reports of adverse drug reactions help APRIL to compile evidence to persuade the regulators and educators that there is indeed a problem. Please contact APRIL with your experiences which help their cause when presenting information to the authorities. Your personal information is confidential.
APRIL is to be found on www.april.org.uk
Among the titles of their booklist:" The Creation of Psychopharmacology"," Your Drug may be your Problem"
APRIL provides information about ADrs to * enable patients, their carers, family or friends to recognise ADRs in time to prevent more serious consequences; *to campaign for the medical profession to report suspected ADRs. In the UK only 15% of serious ADRs are recorded. ADRs and withdrawal syndrome can lead to long term physical and mental ill health.
