Mental health articles

antipsychotic medication side effects list.The discovery of phenothiazines (a group of antipsychotic medication) in the 1950s transformed in-patient treatment and the lives of individuals. Although the medication enabled some patients to leave hospital with the symptoms of the illness significantly suppressed, the movement disorder caused by the medication was a prime concern. The long-term side effects of the movement disorder had been debilitating.

antipsychotic medication side effects list. There is ongoing research to further the development of antipsychotic medication that has maximum benefits and minimal side effects. Antipsychotic medications for the treatment of psychotic disorders are commonly termed ‘neuroleptics’, whichmay be given orally or by injections. Long-acting depot injections are given for maintenance therapy when compliance can be monitored more effectively. The slow-release property of the drug prolongs the desired effect. It has the advantage of the service user not having to take medication daily; the injection may be administered weekly, fortnightly or three- to four-weekly.

antipsychotic medication side effects list. The purpose of the use of antipsychotic medication is to reduce or minimise acute psychotic symptoms and to maintain the long-term relapse prevention of psychosis

. Once the psychosis has subsided, medication enables the individual to have a more realistic dialogue with carers or professionals to formulate a plan of therapeutic interventions. Clearly, when a person’s psychosis is eased, the dose can be reduced, but it requires monitoring so that relapses can be prevented.

Prescribing practice on the use of atypical antipsychotic medication was published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

In the 1990s, a new group of antipsychotic medication was introduced, they are generally known as the ‘atypical’ or ‘second-generation antipsychotics’. These new antipsychotics are known for their reduced side effects, such as induced movement disorder. However, they have a tendency to cause a range of other undesirable side effects, such as weight gain, diabetes and cardiovascular disorder. Staff involved in the administration of antipsychotic medication should determine whether it requires regular blood monitoring to ensure that the medication does not have an adverse effect on the white cell count; the user’s cooperation and consent is essential. Clozapine is usually given to sufferers who are treatmentresistant, but unfortunately there is a risk that the drug may diminish the white cell count, which could be fatal if left unchecked.

antipsychotic medication side effects list. Antipsychotic medication may be used to control behaviour that may place the persons or others at risk in acute psychosis. The key purpose associated with use that has a tranquilising effect is more common in hospital settings where the administration can be frequently monitored and reviewed for the management of violence or aggression. Its use is normally terminated or reduced when the acute phase of such behaviour subsides. The mode of administration may be given by mouth or injection. Anger management or relaxation training is an appropriate therapeutic intervention for those who have a propensity for such behaviour. De-escalation is also useful in preventing disturbed behaviour.

The term ‘major tranquiliser’ is often used to describe this group of powerful drugs. However, the British National Formulary (British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain 2005) states that it is misleading to regard antipsychotics as ‘merely tranquilisers’ as they do not impair consciousness and that the tranquilising effect is of secondary importance in the treatment of psychosis.