What Medications Are Used To Treat Psychotic Disorders?
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Anti-psychotics are a class of medication used to treat psychotic disorders. Newer antipsychotics have also been found to be effective in the treatment of mania. The anti-psychotics vary in their side effects, and some people have more trouble with certain side effects than with others. The doctor can change medications or dosages to help minimize unpleasant side effects. A drawback to some anti-psychotic medications is that the person's ability to tolerate the medication may change, limiting long-term use.
Most side effects of anti-psychotic medications are mild, and many go away after the first few weeks of treatment. Side effects may include:
There are, however, a few serious side effects that are possible, especially with long-term use of anti-psychotic medcations. These side effects include:
Tardive dyskinesia:
This is a movement disorder that results in unusual and uncontrollable movements, usually of the tongue and face (such as sticking out the tongue and smacking the lips), and sometimes jerking and twisting movements of other parts of the body.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome:
This is a potentially fatal disorder characterized by severe muscle rigidity (stiffening), fever, sweating, high blood pressure, delirium and sometimes coma.
Agranulocytosis:
This is a condition marked by a decrease in the number of infection-fighting white blood cells. This condition can leave the person prone to infection. Agranulocytosis has been most commonly linked to Clozaril. People taking Clozaril must have regular blood tests to closely monitor their white blood cell count.
If side effects are particularly troublesome, your doctor may change medications or dosages. The newer "atypical" anti-psychotic medications appear to be much better tolerated. In addition, other medications are available to help control some of these side effects.
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