Side Effects of Antipsychotics

Antipsychotic medications are primarily used to treat schizophrenia, although they may also be used for manic phases of bipolar disorder. They include typical antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine and haloperidol and atypical types such as aripiprazole and clozapine.

Common Side Effects

• The most commonly reported side effects include drowsiness, blurred vision, sun sensitivity, rapid heartbeat, rashes, muscle weakness, excessive hunger, sexual dysfunction, dizziness and menstrual problems.

Weight Gain

• Atypical antipsychotics can cause significant weight gain, which can lead to other problems including diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels. Those taking atypical antipsychotics should have their weight and glucose levels monitored.

Movement Disorders

• Typical antipsychotics can cause problems with physical movement including rigidity, tremors and muscle spasms. Long-term use can lead to a disorder called tardive dyskinesia, which causes involuntary movements, particularly around the mouth.

Risk to Elderly Patients

• Antipsychotics are no longer approved for treatment of dementia. Both typical and atypical antipsychotics increase the risk of death, primarily caused by heart problems and infection, in the elderly.

Clozapine

• Clozapine is considered more effective at controlling psychotic symptoms than other antipsychotics but also has greater risks, including low white blood cell count and cardiomyopathy. Patients taking clozapine must be closely monitored.