Antipsychotics are a type of drug prescribed to treat the symptoms of disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and Alzheimer's disease. The term "psychotic" is used to describe symptoms exhibited by a person who seems to have lost touch with reality. These include hallucinations, illusions and delusional beliefs. Antipsychotic medications work by altering the activity of certain neurotransmitters. There are many antipsychotic drug side effects, some more serious than others.
Drug-Induced Parkinsonism
Drug-induced Parkinsonism syndrome is seen in people taking antipsychotics that target dopamine D2 receptors. It causes the patient to exhibit symptoms commonly seen in victims of Parkinson's disease, including difficulty initiating movement and muscle tremors at rest, according to the text "Molecular Neuropharmacology."
Acute Dystonia
Dystonia is the abnormal, inappropriate contraction of the skeletal muscles in the face and neck. The contractions can be embarrassing and physically painful.
Akathisia
Akathisia causes feelings of intense restlessness and anxiety resulting in an inability to sit still. It is caused by drug-induced changes to dopamine signaling pathways in the nervous system.
Tardive Dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect that is sometimes permanent. It is seen in people who have used conventional antipsychotic medications for a prolonged period of time. Tardive dyskinesia causes uncontrollable contractions of the facial muscles and quick, jerky limb movement.
Hyperprolactinemia
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. Drugs that target D2 dopamine receptors interfere with the regulation of prolactin production, causing this hormone to be overabundant. Hyperprolactinemia causes abnormal breast secretions, irregular menstrual cycles and sexual dysfunction.
Agranulocytosis
Agranulocytosis is associated with a particular atypical antipsychotic called clozapine. This condition results in a severe decrease in the immune system's white blood cells, leaving the patient more vulnerable to infection. Physicians who prescribe this medication require their patients to undergo frequent blood tests to monitor white blood cell counts, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health.
Dopamine Signaling Interference
Conventional antipsychotics interfere with dopamine signaling. Acetylcholine is another neurotransmitter that is regulated by dopamine. Thus, interference with the dopamine signaling pathway leads to changes in communication between neurons that use acetylcholine for signaling. The side effects associated with this include dry mouth, constipation, cognitive dysfunction and blurred vision.
Weight Gain and Drowsiness
The neurotransmitters affected by antipsychotic medications are involved in many different functions, including those that regulate sleep-wake cycles, appetite and metabolism. As a result, antipsychotics may cause weight gain and drowsiness.
Seizures
Because antipsychotic medications alter the signaling mechanisms used by the brain, some individuals who take antipsychotic medications may be more susceptible to experiencing seizures, according to a 2003 review in "Drugs Today." To reduce the risk of serious side effects, prescription use should be monitored closely by a medical professional.
References
- "Molecular Neuropharmacology" ; Nestler, Hyman, and Malenka; 2009
- "Essential Psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications (2nd Edition)"; Stephen M. Stahl; 2002
- National Institutes of Mental Health: Mental Health Medications
- "Drugs Today"; Antipsychotic medication and seizures: A review ; D. Hedges, K. Jeppson and P. Whitehead; July 2003
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