Types of antipsychotics
and how they work
Both types work by blocking dopamine signaling in the brain, which is believed to contribute to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and thought disorders. Second-generation antipsychotics also block serotonin receptors to help treat negative symptoms, such as depression and social withdrawal.
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Antipsychotics for schizophrenia
Treatment guide:
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Treatment guide:
How to take antipsychotics
Effectiveness of antipsychotics
Side effects
Possible interactions
Abilify Maintena (aripiprazole)
Invega Sustenna (paliperidone palmitate)
Invega Trinza (paliperidone palmitate)
Invega Hafyera (paliperidone palmitate)
Abilify Asimtufii (aripiprazole)
Aristada and Aristada Initio (aripiprazole lauroxil)
A person should not suddenly stop taking antipsychotics. If a person is feeling well and their symptoms are controlled well enough to stop treatment, a healthcare professional will set guidelines for tapering the medication over several months to ensure that symptoms do not come back at lower doses.
Duration of treatment
first-generation (typical) antipsychotics
second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics
There are two main types of antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia:
Six types of antipsychotics, including both first- and second-generation antipsychotics, are available
as long-acting injectable therapies. They are:
All antipsychotics work to control symptoms of psychosis that can occur with schizophrenia. Second-generation antipsychotics may also help manage negative symptoms.
Not all antipsychotics work for everyone. With any given antipsychotic medication, roughly one-third of people will see no effect. Some may see only a partial effect. A person may need to try different medications before they find a type and dosage that works for them.
For those who are having difficulty with daily medications, long-acting injectable options may help reduce the chances of relapse or the chances that treatment will not work.
tardive dyskinesia, a rare and serious complication called movement disorder
other movement effects, typically manageable with other medications
weight gain
diabetes or other metabolic effects
sleepiness or fatigue
breast tenderness or discharge
low sex drive, irregular periods, and false-positive pregnancy test results
Certain substances can affect how well antipsychotics work and how quickly a person's body breaks it down. Smoking cigarettes causes the body to break down the drug more quickly. Caffeine and coffee have the opposite effect.
The use of over-the-counter or prescription medications, supplements, or recreational drugs can also affect how the body processes and absorbs antipsychotics and may affect how well they work. Smoking, alcohol use, and recreational drug use may worsen symptoms and the side effects of antipsychotics. Sharing such information with the care team can help prevent drug interactions and ensure the right dosage.
The length of antipsychotic treatment depends on the types of symptoms a person is experiencing and how often they are having episodes. Some people may need to take antipsychotics for only a short time, while others may need to take them long term to prevent additional episodes.
A person can take antipsychotics daily as an oral medication or less frequently as an injection. Because the body absorbs long-acting injectables more slowly than oral medications, a person does not need to take long-acting medications as often.
The use of antipsychotics can lead to different side effects, including:
The types of side effects vary depending on
which medication a person is taking.
