Understanding Antipsychotic Medicine: Giving Support

Psychosis is a serious mental disorder. People with this condition have lost contact with reality. This means they may see, smell, hear, or believe things that aren’t there or aren’t true.

Psychosis can be caused by physical illness, another mental disorder, or by alcohol and drug use. Antipsychotic medicines may help ease the symptoms of psychosis. This sheet will tell you more about these medicines and how you can support your loved one.

Types of antipsychotic medicines

Some common antipsychotic medicines include:

• Chlorpromazine.

• Quetiapine.

• Aripiprazole.

• Ziprasidone.

• Loxapine.

• Haloperidol.

• Clozapine.

• Risperidone.

• Olanzapine.

What are the risks of medicines?

Antipsychotic medicines may cause side effects. Some, such as a dry mouth and blurred vision, are minor. They often go away in a few weeks. Other side effects are more severe. They include:

• Tardive dyskinesia. This causes muscles in the face to make movements a person can’t control. It may not go away unless it's found early.

• Akathisia. This makes people very restless. They may not be able to sit still. Often, this symptom can be helped with other medicines.

• Parkinsonism. This may cause slowed movements, a shuffling walk, and drooling. Other medicines may help manage these symptoms.

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. This happens only in rare cases. But it can lead to death. Signs include rigid limbs, high fever, and a fast heartbeat. The person may be very confused. They may have trouble breathing. If you see these signs, get emergency help right away.

• Other conditions. Antipsychotic medicines can also cause high cholesterol. They can raise the risk for diabetes and heart issues. It's important to have regular follow-up care with a doctor to watch for these conditions. 

Other side effects may include weight gain, sexual problems, drowsiness, constipation, and tremors.

Can side effects be prevented?

In most cases, side effects can’t be prevented before they happen. But they can be treated. You can help your loved one by knowing what to look for. If you notice side effects, talk with your loved one. Ask them to call their doctor. Or ask for their permission to call. Never change the dose or stop a medicine unless told to do so by the doctor. Never give the person someone else's medicine. The doctor may change the dose or type of medicine or add other medicines to help relieve side effects.

Helping your loved one

Antipsychotic medicines may return your loved one to a more normal life. The side effects can be very troubling. But you can help in many ways. You can show your love and support. You can be their advocate. And you can help them manage their medicine.

Encourage them to:

• Talk with their doctor about side effects and how they can be managed.

• Keep taking their medicine as prescribed. Stopping medicine will cause the symptoms of psychosis to come back. These are often far worse than the side effects.

• Talk with their doctor when they have concerns.

• Keep all their appointments.

• Get screening tests done for conditions the medicines might cause, such as diabetes and heart disease.