Antipsychotics: Antipsychotics, other drugs and driving

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

Will antipsychotics interact with other medications?

Antipsychotics may interact with other medications prescribed by your doctor or dentist or purchased at a drug store, and with herbal remedies or street drugs. Make sure you tell your doctor about all drugs you are taking.

Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions before taking any medications or herbal remedies, including cold or allergy tablets or cough syrups.

Antacids can interfere with absorption of antipsychotics and decrease their effect. If you are taking antacids, you can avoid this by taking them at least two hours before or one hour after taking your medication.

What if I smoke cigarettes or drink coffee or alcohol while taking antipsychotics?

Smoking cigarettes can increase how quickly some antipsychotics are broken down by the body, meaning that people who smoke heavily may need more medication than those who do not. Drinking coffee has the opposite effect, slowing down the breakdown of antipsychotics. If you change how many cigarettes you smoke or how much coffee you drink, let your doctor know as he or she may need to adjust your dose.

Antipsychotic drugs may increase the effects of alcohol, making you more sleepy, dizzy and lightheaded. Having one or two drinks on occasion should be okay—but remember that one drink may have the effect of two or even three drinks.

Smoking and problems with alcohol are more common among people with schizophrenia than they are in the general population. The reason for this is unclear; what is clear is that smoking reduces life expectancy and alcohol can make it even more challenging to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia. Being open and honest about your smoking and drinking lets your doctor know how you are doing and helps him or her to determine whether your medication needs to be adjusted. Talking to your doctor can also give you a chance to think about whether you want to cut down or stop smoking or drinking.

What if I use street drugs while taking antipsychotics?

Some street drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine and amphetamines, may have effects that feel good in the short term, but they can cause symptoms to return or worsen. Using these drugs increases the risk of psychosis, even in people who do not have schizophrenia or another mental health problem. Street drugs may also interfere with your medication or worsen side-effects.

Will taking antipsychotics affect my ability to drive safely?

Antipsychotic drugs can be sedating, so it’s a good idea not to drive or operate other machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

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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