The quantity and variety of over-the-counter medications on the shelf at a drugstore can be a bit overwhelming. It might seem like 10 do the same thing but with wildly different outcomes and side effects. The same goes for prescription medications. For every type of prescription, such as an antipsychotic medication, it might seem like there are almost too many options. That’s why it can be helpful to learn about the most common ones.

Antipsychotic medications help to reduce psychotic symptoms that are affecting a person’s overall quality of life. Most antipsychotic prescriptions work to adjust the dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is known as the “feel-good” hormone. When the dopamine receptors are overactive, it’s believed to cause psychosis symptoms. These symptoms include hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. 

Read on to learn about a few of the most common antipsychotic medications. You can work with your health care provider to determine the most effective and safe option for you.

What to know about antipsychotic medications

Antipsychotic medications are often prescribed to people who have been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. One of the most common conditions that can benefit from them is schizophrenia. They may also be used to help people with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. Antipsychotic medications are often added to a treatment plan to boost the effectiveness of antidepressants. For example, if you’re already taking Prozac, your provider may also prescribe you with an antipsychotic medication, like Abilify.

There are two types of antipsychotic medications: typical (first generation) and atypical (second generation). Typical antipsychotics only block dopamine receptors. However, atypical antipsychotics also affect serotonin levels, which impact mood regulation. 

They are categorized by when they were created. First-generation antipsychotics were developed in the ‘50s. Second-generation medications came out in the ’80s. Although first-generation antipsychotics are still prescribed today, second generation are more commonly prescribed.

5 common antipsychotic medications

You can work with your health care provider to pick the best antipsychotic medication to help you. They’ll also consider the severity of your symptoms as well as your medical history. Potential reactions with other prescriptions should also be discussed.

Here are five of the most common antipsychotic medications:

• Quetiapine 

1. • Brand names — Seroquel, Atrolak and Biquelle
   • Type — Atypical/second-generation antipsychotic
   • Side effects — Cold sweats, dizziness, sleepiness and confusion
   • Additional info — It can take up to three weeks to experience the full effects of quetiapine.

• Aripiprazole

1. • Brand names — Aristada, Abilify and Abilify Maintena
   • Type — Atypical/second-generation antipsychotic
   • Side effects — Weight gain, constipation, drowsiness and restlessness
   • Additional info — Stay hydrated while in hot climates or exercising on this medication. Aripiprazole can affect temperature regulation.

• Risperidone

1. • Brand names — Risperdal, Risperdal Consta and Perseris 
   • Type — Atypical/second-generation antipsychotic
   • Side effects — Muscle spasms, agitation, balance issues and restlessness 
   • Additional info — Splitting the dose between the morning and night may reduce the risk of drowsiness.

• Olanzapine

1. • Brand names — Zyprexa and Zyprexa Relprevv
   • Type — Atypical/second-generation antipsychotic
   • Side effects — Constipation, dizziness, coordination problems and restlessness
   • Additional info — Along with oral tablets, olanzapine is also available in a long-lasting injection.

• Haloperidol

1. • Brand names — Haldol, Haldol Decanoate and Peridol
   • Type — Typical/first-generation antipsychotic
   • Side effects — Urinary retention, sedation, dry mouth and increased body temperature
   • Additional info — Haloperidol may be used to help manage tics from Tourette’s syndrome.

If you have issues with your medication, be sure to talk to your doctor or psychiatrist. Issues may include side effects that are affecting your everyday life. Typical antipsychotics, like haloperidol, carry a higher risk of extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia than atypicals. Some atypicals, like olanzapine and quetiapine, are well known for metabolic side effects such as weight gain and elevated blood sugar. 

If you’re not seeing improvement, your provider can determine if any adjustments are needed, such as a switch to a different medication. For example, people who have tried older medications, such as Zyprexa or Seroquel, may have better results with newer options.

Lightfully can help you manage your antipsychotic medications

For many people, antipsychotic medications can play a significant role in improving their mental health and everyday life. However, taking medication for a psychotic disorder requires a lot of monitoring — it’s important that it’s properly managed by health care providers.

At Lightfully, we offer medication management in all of our levels of care. Our Residential Treatment and Partial Hospitalization Program include weekly psychiatrist meetings. Clients in the Intensive Outpatient Program and Virtual Inpatient Outpatient Program have meetings as needed.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.