Antipsychotic medications treat schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder and treatment-resistant depression. The first antipsychotic drugs went on the market in the 1950s, and many of those are still in use today. However, a second generation of antipsychotic drugs were developed in the 1990s and are much more commonly prescribed today due to their less severe and pervasive side effects. Both classes of antipsychotics carry the risk of common and relatively rare but severe side effects that are important to understand when considering drug treatment.
Common Side Effects of Typical Antipsychotics
Older, or "typical," antipsychotics include chlorpromazine, brand name Thorazine; haloperidol, or Haldol; perphenazine; and fluphenazine. The most common side effects with these drugs include drowsiness, physical restlessness, insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, rapid heart rate and dry mouth, states RxList.com. Haldol additionally can cause headache, blurred vision and depression. Other side effects can occur, and vary somewhat among each drug.
Rare, Serious Side Effects of Typical Antipsychotics
Because of the incidence of less common but severe side effects, psychiatrists seldom prescribe typical antipsychotics since the newer atypical antipsychotics were developed in the 1990s, states the National Institute of Mental Health. Muscular and movement disorders are a serious problem with these medications. One of these disorders, tardive dyskinesia, is characterized by rapid, repetitive, purposeless and uncontrollable movements of the face, mouth, trunk or extremities. Tardive dystonia, somewhat similar to tardive dyskinesia, can occur and can become permanent. Pseudo-parkinsonism can also result. Blood, liver, respiratory and cardiovascular side effects can also occur.
Common Side Effects of Atypical Antipsychotics
Second-generation, or atypical, antipsychotic medications include risperidone, or Risperdal; olanzapine, or Zyprexa; ziprasidone, or Geodon; quetiapine, or Seroquel; aripiprazole, or Abilify; and paliperidone, or Invega. Weight gain is a very common side effect of many of these medications, along with sleepiness and sedation, explains NIMH. Restlessness, anxiety, irritability, anxiety and insomnia all may occur, as can diminished thinking and concentration. Other common side effects include headache, gastrointestinal disturbance and sexual side effects.
Rare, Serious Side Effects of Atypical Antipsychotics
Elderly patients with dementia should exercise great caution when taking atypical antipsychotics, as there is a significant risk of death, warns NIMH. While rare, cardiovascular symptoms can occur when taking these drugs, as can various neuromuscular symptoms. A low risk of hypothyroidism exists, as do rare occurrences of confusion, lymphatic problems, accidental injury and seizure.
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