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Treatment guide:
Antipsychotics for
Bipolar Disorder
Mental and cognitive health
Antipsychotic medications can potentially affect motor control and cause movement disorders, such as akathisia, acute dystonia, or tardive dyskinesia. Akathisia is an inability to stay still,
and acute dystonia and tardive dyskinesia cause involuntary muscle contractions and movements. These side effects are more common with older types of antipsychotics.
A person should inform their doctor if they develop unusual sensations or movements.
Neuromuscular side effects
Antipsychotics for
Bipolar Disorder
Treatment guide:
Other side effects
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Antipsychotic medications may cause dermatological, gastrointestinal, urinary, cardiovascular, or immune side effects. For example, they may cause skin changes, dry mouth, drooling, constipation, urinary retention, or liver damage. They may reduce white blood cells, which raises the risk of infection. They may also affect heart rhythms.
A person’s doctor may order tests and ask
them about changes in their health to check
for side effects.
Taking an antipsychotic medication may cause weight gain. It may also increase blood sugar, blood cholesterol, or blood pressure levels. Metabolic syndrome happens when these changes occur together. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A person’s doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or other strategies to help manage their weight and prevent or treat metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic side effects
Antipsychotic medications can cause increased levels of the hormone prolactin. This may lead to sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction or reduced orgasms. It may cause missed menstrual periods, breast enlargement, or milk production from the breasts. It also raises the risk of osteoporosis.
A person should speak with their doctor if they
are experiencing these side effects.
Sexual and reproductive
side effects
Antipsychotic medications may help limit mood episodes. Certain types of antipsychotics may be more effective than others for preventing depressive episodes, manic episodes, or mixed mood episodes specifically.
A doctor can help someone learn which type may work best for them.
agitation
anxiety
dizziness
headaches
reduced feeling of emotion
Drowsiness is a common side effect of antipsychotics. Other potential side effects include:
