Side Effects of Antipsychotics
Both older and newer antipsychotics can cause serious side effects, including the following:
- Uncontrollable movements, such as tics, tremors, or muscle spasms (this risk is higher with first-generation antipsychotics)
- Weight gain (this risk is higher with second-generation antipsychotics) and other metabolic effects like development of diabetes and high cholesterol
- Tardive dyskinesia (TD), a condition that causes repetitive, involuntary movements (this risk is higher with first-generation antipsychotics). There’s a 5 percent chance of developing TD for every year a person takes antipsychotics.
- Drowsiness
- Restlessness
- Dizziness
- Agitation
- Sedation
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare but serious complication usually linked to high doses of first-generation antipsychotics early on in treatment. Fever, delirium, and muscle stiffness are potential symptoms.
It’s important to speak with your doctor about the potential side effects of antipsychotics, and to let them know if you’re experiencing side effects from your medication. They may be able to make adjustments to your medication to help you feel better.
Also, be sure to discuss all other medications or supplements that you take with your doctor before starting on an antipsychotic. That’s because antipsychotics can also cause interactions with certain medications and supplements.
This includes over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, supplements, and illegal and recreational drugs, including marijuana, which has been shown to worsen psychotic symptoms in those with and susceptible to schizophrenia.
Medication Adherence
It’s hard for some people with schizophrenia to take medications correctly (called “medication adherence”). An estimated 63 to 74 percent of people with schizophrenia use their meds incorrectly or skip them altogether, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Several factors may play a role in nonadherence, including:
- Having to take multiple medications
- Bothersome side effects from the medication
- More severe disease
- Coexisting health conditions
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Lower insight, or awareness that they have schizophrenia
