Introduction

• Antipsychotic is a class of medicine used to treat psychosis.
• They are also known as neuroleptics.
• These medications affect neurotransmitters that allow communication between brain cells.

Types of Antipsychotics

1. Typical antipsychotics (also known as first generation antipsychotics):
   • Phenothiazines (Chlorpromazine, Thioridazine, Fluphenazine, Perphenazine, Prochlorperazine, Trifluoperazine).
   • Butyrophenones (Haloperidol)
   • Thioxanthenes (Flupenthixol, Zuclopenthixol)
   • Substituted benzamides (Sulpiride)
2. Atypical antipsychotics (also known as second generation antipsychotics):
   • Clozapine
   • Olanzapine
   • Risperidone
   • Quetiapine
   • Aripiprazole
   • Ziprasidone
   • Sertindole

Adverse Effects

Side effects associated with Antipsychotics include:

1. Extrapyramidal side effects
   • Stiffness and trembling (parkinsonism symptoms) – normally occurs gradually, and in adults or elderly.
   • Abnormal face and body movements (dystonia and dyskinesia) – often in children or young adult
   • An inner or external feeling of restlessness (akathisia) – which can occur after a large initial dose.
   • Rhythmic movements of tongue, face and jaw which is beyond one’s control (tardive dyskinesia) – normally occurs after long therapy or with high dosage
2. Other side effects
   • Increase in appetite
   • Weight gain
   • Altered glucose level in the blood leading to an increased risk of diabetes mellitus.
   • Loss of white blood cells that fight infection (granulocytosis)
   • Drowsiness

Precautions

Antipsychotics should be used with caution in conditions such as:

• Liver impairment
• Kidney impairment
• Heart problem
• Parkinson’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Depression
• Myasthenia gravis
• Prostatic hypertrophy
• Angle-closure glaucoma

Special Instructions

• Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor’s approval

General Informations

• Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, drug allergies
• Alcohol or other sedative-type drugs combined together with this medication, can lead to extreme drowsiness.
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Use with caution in elderly persons due to their sensitivity to the side effects of this medication.
• Use with caution in pregnancy.
• Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• Inform the doctor if you are breastfeeding as dose need to be adjusted.

Storage Conditions

• Because these drugs are often abused, extra caution should be taken in storing them.
• Do not mix them with other medicines.
• Keep medicines in a cool, dry place and out of a child’s reach.