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Antipsychotic medication refers to a few types of medication that can reduce symptoms of psychosis, like hallucinations and delusions. They also help prevent those symptoms from returning.
These medications work on brain chemistry – neurotransmitters that influence thoughts, mood and emotions.
Antipsychotic medication is often used for the treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, but can also be used as part of treatment for other mental health issues. They can be used alongside other forms of help such as psychological therapies or community support.
Antipsychotic medication can be life-changing for some people, although it may not suit everyone. It is ok if you need, or want to try, medication for your mental health.
Antipsychotic medications are considered a front-line treatment for psychosis. They can be prescribed for an episode of psychosis, or as part of longer-term treatment. They help reduce symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, and can also help with mood, memory, planning, and other thinking problems. Antipsychotic medication can also be helpful in the treatment of other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder and depression.
They are not addictive, do not make you euphoric, or change your personality. All antipsychotic drugs are designed to do the same thing — reduce psychotic symptoms and keep them away. However, they’re known to affect people in different ways, so your experience of taking them will be unique to you.
Antipsychotic medication can be prescribed alone, or with other medications. Many people use antipsychotic medication to feel more stable and find it helps them engage with other support services. People often use them alongside other forms of help like psychological therapies, support with housing and employment, physical and occupational therapy, and more.
Antipsychotic medication is generally effective. Most people with psychosis have fewer symptoms after starting medication.
Antipsychotic medication is prescribed by a medical doctor (a GP or a psychiatrist). A doctor can discuss options for you, and prescribe you a dosage that they feel matches your symptoms and circumstances.
Different medications work for different people; you and your doctor can talk over to help decide which is most likely to be right for you. While there is usually a period of trial and adjustment, there are some things that can be worth discussing to help decide on a treatment plan:
There are two ways to take antipsychotic medication: by mouth or as a depot (sometimes called a ‘long-acting injectable’).
Depots are used if there are challenges swallowing medication. They are also used if there’s a risk of forgetting or stopping taking medication, which can lead to a rapid worsening of symptoms. You can choose to take medication by depot. There are also circumstances where a doctor can legally require someone to take medication by injection, even without consent. That’s only done rarely, and always with health and safety in mind.
It can take several weeks, or even a few months, after the first dose of medication before it has an effect. Checking in with your doctor over time can help keep an eye on how you’re going, and monitor any side effects.
If you have any challenges – such as struggling to remember to take medication – it important to raise these with your doctor.
Choosing the best medication is not always straightforward because the way people respond to medication is different. This means that finding the right one for you may involve trying one or more types, or making adjustments.
Antipsychotic medication is often long term. Many people with psychosis need to take medication as prescribed on an ongoing basis to ensure their symptoms don’t return.
When medication starts working and symptoms reduce, people can be tempted to stop taking it. Some people may also want to stop taking medication due to side effects. Others might find that memory problems, or the symptoms of psychosis interfere with their decision-making.
Before stopping or reducing any medication it is important that you discuss with a doctor. They can help with decisions about the best path forward. Stopping antipsychotic medication suddenly can cause problems, and lead to a return of psychosis. So any changes need to be done step-by-step under your doctor’s supervision.
If you’re taking antipsychotic medication, it’s very likely you will experience some side effects. Work is being done to improve medications, but at the moment it’s often necessary to weigh up the benefits of medication against how side effects might impact you
It’s important to tell a doctor about side-effects as soon as possible, and discuss any concerns.
For some people, it can take months to find the right medication — that’s normal.
If the side-effects of the medication you’re taking are too severe, or if your psychotic symptoms don’t subside, it might be possible to try other options.
To learn more, a GP or psychiatrist can provide a personalised discussion about whether antipsychotic medication is the right option for you.