Antipsychotics: Side-effects

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

Antipsychotic medication can cause unpleasant side-effects, especially when the symptoms are severe and a higher dose of medication is used. Side-effects should become mild or at least tolerable when the dose is reduced and as your body adjusts to the presence of the drug.

Most side-effects will go away when you stop taking the drug. There is a risk, however, of a condition that causes people to make involuntary movements, known as tardive dyskinesia, which can be permanent.

Some people accept the side-effects as a trade-off for the relief these drugs can bring. Others find the side-effects distressing and may choose not to take the medication.

Check the information given to you by your doctor or pharmacist to find out the specific side-effects of any drug you have been prescribed. If you are troubled by any of these effects, it is best to continue to take your medication as prescribed and let your doctor know as soon as possible. Your doctor may:

• adjust your dose
• prescribe other medications to help control side-effects
• change your medication.

Side-effects vary depending on the type of medication. More information on side-effects is included on the following page.

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?

• Print
  Follow us on
  
  Share