It's normal to feel a little nervous and confused when a doctor prescribes this type of medication for you or someone you know. When we hear the name 'antipsychotic', we immediately think of severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia . But in reality, these drugs are not the only ones used. Sometimes, a doctor may prescribe this medication even if you don't have any symptoms of psychosis. So, let's clear up all the confusion about this today and talk simply and clearly.
How does this medicine actually work?
Simply put, these drugs change the way chemical signals work in our brains. Think of it like there are little messengers inside our brains that carry messages back and forth. In medicine, we call these neurotransmitters . Dopamine and serotonin are two of the main messengers.
In some mental illnesses, these chemicals are out of balance. One may be too much, while the other is too little. This imbalance can cause symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and delusions. Antipsychotic medications work by restoring the balance of these chemical messengers. This can help your symptoms gradually decrease and you can better relate to reality.
Are there main types of antipsychotic medications?
Yes, they are mainly divided into three types. This division is made based on when they were discovered and how they affect the brain.
| Drug type | Functionality and description |
|---|---|
| First-generation drugs (Typical Antipsychotics) | These are the first drugs to be discovered. They mainly control the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Examples: Haloperidol, Chlorpromazine, Fluphenazine. |
| Second-generation drugs (Atypical Antipsychotics) | These are later, slightly more advanced drugs. They affect dopamine as well as a chemical called serotonin . Some of the side effects are less than the first type. This type is currently the most commonly used. Examples: Olanzapine, Risperidone, Quetiapine, Aripiprazole. |
| Next-generation medicines | This is the latest discovery. This drug, called xanomeline and trospium chloride (Cobenfy™), does not affect dopamine. Therefore, it has fewer movement-related side effects and drowsiness. This is still in the research stage. |
What conditions are these medicines used for?
Despite the name 'antipsychotic', these are not just medications given for psychotic conditions. Here is a list of conditions for which these drugs are used.
Mainly treated diseases:
- Schizophrenia and related conditions.
- Bipolar disorder , especially during mania.
- Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features.
- Delusional Disorder .
- Severe agitation.
- Borderline Personality Disorder .
- Some behavioral problems caused by dementia and delirium.
- Substance-induced psychotic disorder.
Other opportunities:
Sometimes, these drugs are also used in low doses to control some symptoms of conditions such as Tourette syndrome, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
What are the benefits of these medications?
Although these medications may cause side effects in some people, their benefits far outweigh them.
- The opportunity to rebuild your life: Without these medications, it is very difficult to live a normal life with some severe mental illnesses. These medications allow patients to return to society, work, and have a family life.
- Making other treatments more effective: When you take these medications along with things like psychotherapy, the results of those treatments are greatly enhanced.
- Having a variety of options: There are many types of antipsychotic medications, so your doctor can choose the one that works best for you and has the fewest side effects.
Remember, these medications are an important tool to help you get your life back on track. Using them is not a sign of weakness. It is a strong step towards your recovery.
Let's also be aware of side effects.
Like any medicine, these can cause side effects. But not everyone gets them . And, most of them can be controlled. Your doctor will always weigh the benefits of the medicine against the side effects to decide what is best for you.
These are some of the common side effects:
- Drowsiness and dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Increased blood sugar and cholesterol levels (especially from second-generation drugs)
- Movement problems: things like muscle stiffness, tremors, restlessness (especially with first-generation drugs)
- Painful muscle twitching (Dystonias)
- Uncontrollable movements of the face and mouth (Tardive Dyskinesia) after long-term use of medications
If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor right away . He or she may be able to adjust the dosage, switch you to a different medication, or prescribe a different medication for the side effect.
When to see a doctor immediately
If you experience any of the following severe symptoms, see your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
- High fever
- Severe mental confusion
- Muscle stiffness or stiffness
- Uncontrolled movements of the face, mouth, or tongue
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
Also, if you or someone else is having suicidal thoughts, please call Sri Lanka's mental health helpline number 1926. Asking for help is empowering.
Take-Home Message
- Antipsychotic drugs are not only used to treat severe conditions such as schizophrenia , but they are also used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and a number of other illnesses.
- These medications work by balancing neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain.
- If you experience any side effects, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor. There are solutions for that.
- Do not stop taking your medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice for any reason. It can be very dangerous.
- You are not alone in your treatment journey. Your doctor and loved ones are with you in your recovery.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 🤒 What are the different types of skin diseases that cause blisters on the body? Do medications affect them?
There are many reasons why blisters appear on the body. In addition to infections, blisters can also occur due to side effects of some medications we take. In this article, you can learn exactly about allergic conditions caused by some medications (antipsychotics), especially those given for mental illnesses.
💬 💊 Can taking antipsychotic medications cause skin damage or blisters?
Yes, although rare, some people may develop skin rashes or blisters due to this medication. This could be an allergy to the medication. Therefore, if this happens, you should see a doctor immediately. Our article clearly explains such side effects.
💬 🛑 Can skin blisters be serious? What should I be careful about when taking medication?
Although these are common in most cases, we should be very careful about blisters caused by some severe drug reactions. If you are taking medication for mental illness, it is very important for your safety to know exactly what can happen with those medications. Read this article and be aware of it.
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