What are the appropriate pharmacological treatments for managing hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia?

Appropriate pharmacological treatment for managing hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia primarily involves the use of oral antipsychotic medication. Treatment should be initiated as an individual therapeutic trial, starting at the lower end of the licensed dose range and titrating slowly upwards within the British National Formulary (BNF) or Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) guidelines. The choice of antipsychotic should consider the clinical response and side effects of current and previous medications. A trial at an optimum dose should be maintained for 4 to 6 weeks to assess efficacy and tolerability. Monitoring for side effects, response to treatment, and physical health parameters is essential throughout therapy. For patients with complex or treatment-resistant symptoms, clozapine is recommended, and augmentation with other antipsychotics (e.g., aripiprazole) or mood stabilizers may be considered depending on symptom profile. Psychological interventions should accompany pharmacological treatment for optimal outcomes.