Schizophrenia is a mental illness that, according to MedlinePlus, affects approximately 1 percent of the world's population. It often begins in early adulthood and can limit an individual's ability to function in society without the help of medications. While many medications for schizophrenia can control its symptoms, such as hallucinations and paranoid thoughts, many often have their own side effects as well.
Drowsiness
People who have schizophrenia are often prescribed antipsychotic medications, which change the makeup of chemicals in the brain. This can potentially cause drowsiness, or even a sedated effect, in the person taking them. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, however, drowsiness often goes away after the initial period of medication use, usually within a few days.
Restlessness
Another common side effect of schizophrenia medication is restlessness, or feeling jittery. According to MedlinePlus, this is also caused by the effects of antipsychotic medication on the chemicals in the brain. The National Institute of Mental Health adds that schizophrenia medications can affect how a person moves and may cause tremors and rigidity (stiffness in the muscles). Restlessness may also disappear within days, as the drug "settles" in the system.
Shuffling
Another movement-related side effect of medications for schizophrenia is difficulty walking. The Mayo Clinic reports that some antipsychotic medications affect the levels of dopamine in the brain, much like in Parkinson's Disease. This can cause a shuffling gait pattern when walking, where the person's feet barely skim over the floor with each step.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is a possible side effect of antipsychotic use, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This is because some antipsychotic medications (called atypical antipsychotics) have an effect on the body's metabolism. The NIMH also reports that this can lead to more serious medical complications, such as diabetes and other related conditions. Because of this, people taking these medications require monitoring of their weight and vital signs.
High Cholesterol
In addition to increasing the risk for diabetes, certain antipsychotic medications used for schizophrenia can also increase a person's risk for high cholesterol and hypertension (high blood pressure). The Mayo Clinic reports that any type of antipsychotic has the potential to cause serious medical complications. High-risk groups, such as older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions, should be closely monitored when taking antipsychotics for the first time.
Skin Sensitivity
Another common, but less serious side effect of antipsychotic drug use is sensitive skin. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that people taking medications for schizophrenia may be more sensitive to the effects of the sun and may develop rashes. This side effect often goes away after a short period of time.
Tardive Dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia is the term for specific types of involuntary movement, according to the Mayo Clinic. People taking antipsychotic medications often experience this side effect after years of taking their medications. A person with schizophrenia who is showing signs of tardive diskinesia may demonstrate uncontrolled movements of the mouth and may open and close it frequently or move his tongue around constantly. He may also grimace.
