Antipsychotics: What do antipsychotics do?

^{From: Understanding psychiatric medications: Antipsychotics - Information for consumers, families and friends (© 2009 CAMH)}

Psychosis is believed to be caused, at least in part, by overactivity of a brain chemical called dopamine, and antipsychotics are thought to work by blocking this dopamine effect. This blocking helps to make the symptoms of psychosis—such as voices and delusions—less commanding and preoccupying, but it does not always make them go away completely. People may still hear voices and have delusions, but they are more able to recognize what isn’t real and to focus on other things, such as work, school or family.

Contents:

• Introduction
• Do I need treatment?
• What do antipsychotics do?
• Side-effects
• Types of antipsychotics
• Starting and stopping antipsychotics
• Antipsychotics, other drugs and driving
• Antipsychotics, sexuality and pregnancy
• Is age an issue?
• Where can I get more information about antipsychotics?
• How can I find treatment or a support group?

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