Antipsychotics treat symptoms like hallucinations, severe agitation, and disorganized thinking. Doctors prescribe them for conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and sometimes severe depression or behavioral problems. They don’t cure these illnesses, but they reduce symptoms so people can function better day to day.
There are two main groups: typical (older) and atypical (newer) antipsychotics. Typical drugs like haloperidol can work fast but often cause movement side effects. Atypical drugs — risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole — usually cause fewer movement problems but can bring metabolic issues like weight gain and higher blood sugar.
Side effects differ by drug and person, but watch for weight gain, sleepiness, dry mouth, constipation, and changes in blood sugar or cholesterol. Some people get movement problems called extrapyramidal symptoms (tremors, stiffness) or, after long use, tardive dyskinesia (involuntary facial movements). Clozapine needs extra attention — it can lower white blood cells, so regular blood tests are mandatory.
If you feel very sleepy, dizzy, unusually weak, or notice fast heartbeat, tell your prescriber. Older adults have higher risk of falls and stroke on these medicines, and pregnant people should discuss risks and benefits with their clinician before starting or stopping treatment.
Always follow the prescription and the dosing plan your doctor gives. Don’t stop suddenly — that can trigger withdrawal or symptom relapse. Get baseline checks (weight, blood pressure, fasting glucose, lipids) and repeat them as your doctor recommends. Ask about monitoring frequency and who will track results.
Be careful with alcohol, sedatives, or opioid pain medicines — combining them can increase drowsiness and breathing problems. Check all other meds with your pharmacist; antipsychotics interact with many drugs and even some over-the-counter herbs.
If you’re getting medication online, use licensed pharmacies only. Look for a verifiable address and phone number, pharmacist access, and a clear prescription policy. Avoid sellers that skip prescriptions, offer suspiciously low prices, or won’t confirm licensing. Keep records of orders and report problems quickly.
Store medicines in a cool, dry place away from kids and pets. Dispose of unused pills properly—many pharmacies offer take-back programs. If side effects become hard to manage, ask about switching drugs, adjusting dose, or adding treatments that reduce specific effects like metabolic changes.
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