Medically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH — Written by Risa Kerslake on May 26, 2021 Antipsychotic medications are mainly used to treat certain mental health conditions or symptoms of psychosis, like hallucinations or delusions. Like most other medications, antipsychotic drugs may have certain side effects. These can range from hardly noticeable to severe. The type and severity of side effects you get may depend on the type of medication and how often you take it. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed or concerned if you’re just starting out on this type of medication or are exploring your treatment options. The good news is that these medications are effective at managing many symptoms. For example, if you’re experiencing hallucinations, these could go away after just a few days of taking your meds. Some other symptoms, such as delusions, may take up to 6 weeks to be managed. Everyone responds a little differently to antipsychotic medication. It’s highly advisable that you take these medications under a professional’s supervision and that you always let them know about side effects you may be experiencing. It’s not unusual for someone to try different types of antipsychotic medications or dosages before they find a combination that works. This “trial period” might feel discouraging, but it’s part of a process that may lead you to feel better in the long term. Antipsychotic medications are mainly used to treat the symptoms of psychosis, although they can help manage symptoms of other mental health conditions. You might also take antipsychotic medication alone or in combination with other medications if you have a mental health condition or a neurological disorder such as: Antipsychotic medications won’t cure a condition but rather help you manage the symptoms you’re experiencing. Oftentimes, you may be on an antipsychotic for months or years. It’s important that you not stop taking your medication (even if you’re feeling well) without talking with your health professional first. In most cases, these medications need to be gradually tapered down in dosage to avoid further side effects. This means they have to be gradually decreased in dosage so your body can make the adjustment. There are two main types of antipsychotics: typical and atypical. Older medications, or first-generation medications, are called “typical” antipsychotics or neuroleptics. They include:
The newer medications, or second-generation antipsychotic medications, are known as “atypical” antipsychotics. Some examples are:
All prescription medications can have side effects, and antipsychotic drugs are no exception. Every body is different, so not everyone experiences the same side effects or with the same intensity. You might find you don’t notice any side effects at all, depending on the medication and your unique situation. If you experience side effects, these can decrease after a few weeks of taking the drug. If this doesn’t happen, you might want to talk with your doctor about the possibility of changing the brand or the dosage. It’s important that you don’t suspend the medication without consulting with your healthcare team first. Antipsychotic medications can have both physical and psychosocial effects, and some of them can be long-term. Physical side effects
Psychosocial side effects
Long-term effects
Not everyone experiences these side effects, and if you do, these can often go away after a while or after changing dosage or the type of drug. There are some things you can do to manage some of the side effects you may experience. Talking with your healthcare team is highly advisable and can help you reduce unwanted effects.
When someone abruptly stops taking their antipsychotic medication, they could experience a few unwanted effects. Some people might also experience a relapse in symptoms if their medication is stopped. In some cases, these symptoms can be worse than before taking the drug. Stopping your medications all of a sudden can cause what’s called “rebound psychosis,” which means your psychosis symptoms may come back as soon as you stop your drug. Even if you go off your medications under the supervision of your healthcare team, you might see your symptoms coming back within 3 to 6 months. It’s advisable that you discuss these instances with a health professional and make a treatment plan that covers all your bases. Since antipsychotic medications come in a variety of forms, a healthcare professional can guide you towards the options that may work better for you. Some questions you might consider are:
Some antipsychotic medications may cause you to experience side effects. These can often go away after a few weeks, or they may be long term. Because antipsychotic drugs can help you manage symptoms of psychosis, and may make you feel better overall, it’s advisable that you weigh the challenges versus the benefits. Discussing this with a healthcare professional can help you make the right decisions for your situation. Last medically reviewed on May 26, 2021 Medically Reviewed by Smitha Bhandari, MD on April 14, 2020 Antipsychotic medications are used as a short or long-term treatments for bipolar disorder to control psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, or mania symptoms. These symptoms may occur during acute mania or severe depression. Some also treat bipolar depression, and several have demonstrated long-term value in preventing future episodes of mania or depression. In people with bipolar disorder, antipsychotics are also used "off label" as sedatives, for insomnia, anxiety, and/or agitation. Often, they are taken with a mood-stabilizing drug and can decrease symptoms of mania until mood stabilizers take full effect. Some antipsychotics seem to help stabilize moods on their own. As a result, they may be used alone as long-term treatment for people who don't tolerate or respond to lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) and anticonvulsants. Antipsychotic drugs help regulate the functioning of brain circuits that control thinking, mood, and perception. It is not clear exactly how these drugs work, but they usually improve manic episodes quickly. The newer antipsychotics usually act quickly and can help you avoid the reckless and impulsive behaviors associated with mania. More normal thinking often is restored within a few weeks. Antipsychotics used to treat bipolar disorder include: Certain antipsychotic drugs cause significant weight gain and high cholesterol levels, and they may increase the risk of diabetes. People considering an antipsychotic for bipolar disorder should be screened for their risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, according to a study published in Diabetes Care. Common side effects of antipsychotic medications include:
Note: Clozaril is not used often, despite its effectiveness for bipolar disorder. The drug can cause a rare, potentially fatal side effect that requires weekly or biweekly blood test monitoring. Also, Geodon is linked to a rare but potentially fatal skin reaction. Older antipsychotic drugs are generally not used as a first-line treatment for bipolar disorder, and they are less established for treating depressive symptoms or preventing episodes during long-term use. However, they may be helpful if a person has troublesome side effects or doesn't respond to the newer drugs. Older antipsychotics include chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), and perphenazine (Trilafon). These drugs may cause a serious long-term side effect called tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movement like lip smacking, protruding the tongue, or grimacing. Newer atypical antipsychotics also have the potential to cause this side effect, but have a relatively lower risk than the older conventional antipsychotics. The medications deutetrabenazine (Austedo) and valbenazine (Ingrezza) have proven effective in treating adults with tardive dyskinesia. |