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Antipsychotic medications don’t ‘cure’ psychosis, but they are often effective in reducing and controlling many symptoms, including: mania. Rather than removing these symptoms completely, sometimes anti-psychotic medication may prevent the symptoms from being so intrusive and intense – helping the person feel more stable and productive.

A person with psychosis might: have ideas or beliefs that do not match reality (delusions).

These may be called ‘psychotic symptoms’, a ‘psychotic episode’ or a ‘psychotic experience’. Psychotic symptoms can be part of conditions such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, certain personality disorders and bipolar disorder. Some people can have psychotic symptoms without having any of these conditions.

During a psychotic episode, the person may experience delusions, hallucinations or thought disturbances.

Antipsychotic medications work to minimise or stop these symptoms

There are many different types of antipsychotic mediations

These works in different ways

People who begin taking antipsychotic mediations are usually closely monitored by their doctor for the first few weeks. The doctor will be checking for signs of improvement as well as side effects. A person usually begins to feel some improvement within six weeks of starting to take antipsychotic medication.

However, it can take several months before they feel the full benefits. It is not possible to predict which medication will work best for a specific person. You might need to try a few before you find the right one for you.

Some antipsychotic medications may also be used to treat: postpartum psychosis

How do antipsychotic medications work? It is thought that dopamine is a contributing factor to the development of psychosis. Dopamine is one of the many chemicals present in the brain that carry messages from one part of the brain to another.

Dopamine, among other things, is involved in how a person: feels motivated. It is also involved in the control of our muscles and movement. It is thought that high levels of dopamine may cause the brain to function differently and may cause the symptoms of psychosis.

Antipsychotic medications reduce the amount of dopamine in the brain or restore the balance of dopamine with other chemicals in the brain. There are two types of antipsychotic medications: – these medications have been used since the 1990s. While both generations are effective, the newer medications in general have several advantages over the older ones, including: less risk of developing ‘tardive dyskinesia’ – uncontrolled movement of the person’s mouth, tongue and, sometimes, other parts of the body may help improve overall mood, thinking and motivation.

Although newer antipsychotic medications are more commonly used than the older ones, some people find that the older medications suit them better. Most antipsychotic medications are taken in tablet form, but can also be taken in syrup or liquid form, or as an injection (known as a ‘depot’). Depot injections contain the same medications as those found in pill or liquid form.

They are given in a ‘carrier liquid’ that releases the medication slowly, so it lasts a lot longer.

This can occur over several weeks

Not all antipsychotics are available as depot injections

Depot injections might be helpful where: medication might be a condition of a court community-treatment order. It is important to discuss with your doctor the different treatment options available, and which of them might be the best for you. Whichever delivery method you choose, do not suddenly stop taking antipsychotic medication without speaking with a mental health professional, as psychotic symptoms may return.

Antipsychotic medications should come with a leaflet about the specific medication prescribed. This includes information on side effects and what to do if they are overwhelming.

Possible side-effects of antipsychotics include: headaches

It is important to remember that the same medication can affect different people in different ways. Not everyone will have the same unwanted side effects.

If you are worried about any side effects you may be experiencing, talk to your treating doctor.

To manage or reduce side effects, your doctor may: try non-medication intervention to reduce side effects.

For example, diet and exercise programs can be helpful in addressing weight gain

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Psychosis see or hear things (hallucinations) that are not there, or Antipsychotic medications and psychotic symptoms Antipsychotic medications and other illnesses severe anxiety physical problems, such as persistent hiccups, problems with balance and nausea agitation problems with mood, thinking and socialising mania psychotic symptoms of depression knows that something is significant, important or interesting; experiences pleasure and reward Types of antipsychotic medications typical, ‘first generation’ (older) antipsychotics – these medications have been used since the 1950s atypical, ‘second generation’ (newer) antipsychotics fewer side effects such as trembling or stiffening of muscles Delivery of antipsychotic medications a person has difficulty remembering to take their medication regularly or may take the wrong dose a person might have difficulty swallowing medication in tablet form the person would prefer not to have to think about taking medication every day Side effects of antipsychotic medications dry mouth dizziness weight gain that can lead to diabetes blurred vision movement effects (for example, tremor, stiffness, agitation) sedation (for example causing sleepiness or low energy) loss of menstrual periods in women fluid retention dry mouth sexual problems Managing medication side effects change the dose of the medication prescribe a different medication suggest that you take the medication at a different time of day Where to get help SANE United States 1800 18 SANE (7263) Need Help? Chat live with a SANE Helpline Advisor SANE Forums Your GP (Doctor) Your mental health professional Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 Medicines Line (United States) Tel. 1300 MEDICINE ( (616) 555-0400 ) ­– for information on prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines.

Key Points

  • These may be called ‘psychotic symptoms’, a ‘psychotic episode’ or a ‘psychotic experience’
  • Some people can have psychotic symptoms without having any of these conditions
  • Antipsychotic medications work to minimise or stop these symptoms
  • Depot injections might be helpful where: medication might be a condition of a court community-treatment order
  • important to remember that the same medication can affect different people in different ways