As defined by the American Psychiatric Association, bipolar disorder is a mood disorder with alternating episodes of depression and mania. Schizophrenia is marked by abnormal perceptions or expressions of reality, such as hallucinations, delusions or disorganized thinking or speech. Atypical antipsychotic medications are a class of drugs that have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration to treat both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. These medications work by balancing biochemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).
Abilify (Aripirazole)
Abilify (aripirazole) can decrease hallucinations and fluctuating moods and improve concentration and thinking processes. Some side effects of Abilify include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, drooling, vision difficulties, weight gain and constipation. Abilify can cause tardive dyskinesia, or involuntary and repetitive bodily movement, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which presents as a fever, sweating, muscle stiffness and confusion. Abilify was developed by the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company in Japan and is distributed by Bristol-Myers Squib in the United States.
Clozaril (Clozapine)
Clozaril (clozapine) was the first atypical antipsychotic. Novartis Pharmaceuticals markets Clozaril. Although Clozaril is effective in treating symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, it is often used as a last resort for patients because it can cause a dramatic decrease in white blood cell counts (agranulocytosis). Other possible side effects include drooling, drowsiness, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, tremors, constipation, tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Geodon (Ziprazidone)
Geodon (ziprazidone) is effective in treating schizophrenia, mania and the alternating mood episodes of bipolar disorder. Acute agitation of schizophrenia can also be treated by injection. Common side effects of Geodon are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, weakness, nasal drip and coughing. Geodon has the potential to cause tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Geodon is marketed by Pfizer.
Risperidal (Risperidone)
Risperidal (risperidone) was developed by Janssen-Cilag. Weight gain is a common side effect. Other side effects include nervousness, dizziness, concentration difficulties, drowsiness, sleeping difficulties, nausea, constipation, sexual difficulties, neuroleptic malignant syndrome and tardive dyskinesia.
Seroquel (Quetiapine)
Seroquel (quetiapine) prevents and decreases hallucinations and mood fluctuations. The primary side effect is drowsiness, so Seroquel is often prescribed to take at bedtime. Other side effects include constipation, stomach pain, weight gain, dizziness, headache, nasal congestion, dry mouth, tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. AstraZeneca markets Seroquel.
Zyprexa (Olanzapine)
Zyprexa (olanzapine) can be taken orally for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and intramuscularly to treat significant agitation resulting from these disorders. Dizziness, drowsiness, stomach ache, constipation, weight gain, and dry mouth are common side effects. As with the other atypical antipsychotics, neuroleptic malignant syndrome and tardive dyskinesia may occur. Eli Lilly manufactures and distributes Zyprexa.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. Text Revision)"; American Psychiatric Association; 2002
- "PDR Drug Guide for Mental Health Professionals"; Thomson Reuters; 2007
