Antipsychotic medication

While medication is rarely enough on its own, it remains an essential part of clinical care. Taking medication as prescribed is one of the most positive things a person can do to fight back against schizophrenia - helping to restore the natural chemical balance of the brain, and reducing or even eliminating symptoms. The newer anti-psychotic drugs have some advantages over older types of medication. Called "atypical" anti-psychotic medication, this new generation of drugs includes amisulpride (Solian), aripriprazole (Abilify), clozapine (Clozaril, Clopine), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), and risperidone (Risperdal). Their advantages include: fewer side-effects, such as trembling or stiffening of muscles; less risk of developing a movement disorder called "tardive dyskinesia" (This problem, which can affect people taking anti-psychotic medication long-term, causes movement of the mouth and tongue, and sometimes other parts of the body, over which the person has no control); may help with "negative" symptoms, so people feel less withdrawn and more motivated. Like any antipsychotic medication, these newer drugs may have some side-effects. It's hard to say what these might be because because the same medication can affect people in different ways - one person may have unwanted side-effects, while another will have none.People taking anti-psychotic medication may also be prescribed other medications to help them - for example, antidepressants, mood-stabilisers or drugs to control side-effects. Getting the best from medication - Taking medication regularly is very important to reduce the risk of a psychotic episode. These tips will help ensure the greatest benefit from this medication: it's important that the treating doctor clearly explains to the person taking the medication (and others involved) what the goals of treatment are, what effects it might have, and the pros and cons of different treatments. If taking medication at different times of the day seems difficult, ask the treating doctor about reducing the number of times medication is taken, or about taking it at night so that side-effects cause fewer problems during the day; using a dosage dispenser (available from pharmacies) or a calendar can make it easier to remember to take medication on time; tell the treating doctor about any problems with the medication - they may be able to change the prescription or the dosage; if you're a friend or family member, you can help support the process of taking medication. Be well informed about the medication - how it helps and any potential side-effects; be careful with alcohol. If you drink alcohol, ask your treating doctor how it might affect you while you're taking medication, and how much is a safe amount to drink. The combination of alcohol and anti-psychotic medication can make you feel much drowsier than either would alone. Tell your treating doctor if you need to drive or operate machinery - some medication can make you drowsy; if you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your treating doctor. Some medications should not be taken during pregnancy. Some people experience weight-gain as a side effect of taking anti-psychotic medication. This can be minimised with attention to diet and exercise, in consultation with the treating doctor. This information on schizophrenia is from the Sane Australia Guide to Schizophrenia 2005, produced with a grant from Bristol Meyers Squibb Pharmaceuticals. The source is gratefully acknowledged - www.sane.org.