The Most Popular Schizophrenia Medications: Names, Types, and Side Effects

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It can cause hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), delusions (believing things that are not true). And also disorganized thinking. Schizophrenia medication is important in order to treat this disorder. Because it can also make it difficult for people to interact with others. Take care of oneself, and hold down a job.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for schizophrenia. So, the best approach depends on the individual’s symptoms. However, medications are often an important part of treatment. In this blog post, we will discuss the most popular schizophrenia medications and their side effects.

What Is Schizophrenia Medication Treatment?

The treatment for schizophrenia generally involves a combination. That is of antipsychotic medications and psychotherapy. Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that requires lifelong treatment. It is important to work with a mental health professional to find the best treatment plan for you.

The disorder is seems lifelong for many people. If it get severe, people with schizophrenia may need to be hospitalized. Schizophrenia should not taken lightly. There are several symptoms of the disorder that needs attention.

Symptoms Of Schizophrenia

• Delusions – It refers to the situation where a person experiences false beliefs. A person with delusions may believe that he is being followed or watched. Even when there is no evidence to support this belief.
• Hallucinations – It is defined as hearing, seeing, smelling, or tasting things that others cannot. People with schizophrenia may see things that are not there. Or hear voices that no one else can hear.
• Disorganized Speech – This refers to the way a person talks. A person with disorganized speech may jump from one topic to another. Also, make up words that have no meaning.
• Disorganized Behavior – This includes behaviors that are inappropriate for the situation. For example, a person with disorganized behavior may take off their clothes in public. Or shout at people who are not there.
• Negative Symptoms – These are symptoms that represent a loss or decrease in abilities. Negative symptoms can include social withdrawal, apathy, and difficulty speaking.

These symptoms make it difficult for people with schizophrenia to function in everyday life. If you or someone you know is showing signs of schizophrenia, it is important to seek professional help.

How Medication Helps In Treating Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality. Schizophrenia medications can help manage the symptoms of this illness.

Experts suggests, that for most people with schizophrenia, antipsychotic medication is the best chance for recovery. Medications can relieve some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations. They can also make it easier for a person to think clearly and take part in therapy.

Medication helps in a way that it improves the chemical balance in the brain. It helps to block dopamine, a chemical messenger that affects mood and emotions.

There are different types of antipsychotic medications available. Each type of medication has its own set of positive and negative effects. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

However, medication is not a complete cure for schizophrenia. In most cases, people with this illness will need to take medication for the rest of their lives. But, with proper treatment, many people with schizophrenia can lead productive and fulfilling lives.

Treatment Of Schizophrenia

The most popular schizophrenia medication fall into two categories:

Traditional Antipsychotics.

Traditional antipsychotics, also called first-generation antipsychotics. It were the first type of medication developed to treat psychosis. They are typically less expensive than atypical antipsychotics. And may be more effective in treating certain symptoms, such as agitation or hostility.

However, traditional antipsychotics can cause serious side effects. But, these are very helpful in taming the most disabling symptoms of schizophrenia.

Atypical Antipsychotics.

Atypical antipsychotics, or second-generation antipsychotics, were developed more recently. They tend to have fewer and less severe side effects than traditional antipsychotics. But they are generally more expensive.

Furthermore, this antipsychotics help with the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. It is very important to take this medication as prescribed by the doctor.

Antipsychotics Schizophrenia Medication Names

There are many different types of antipsychotics. And each one has its own unique set of benefits and side effects. Largely, we have discussed the two types of antipsychotics: the older, first-generation antipsychotics (FGA) and the newer, second-generation antipsychotics (SGA).

Now, let’s take a look at some of the most popular schizophrenia medications. Note that this is not an exhaustive list. But rather a sampling of some of the more commonly prescribed antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia.

First-Generation Antipsychotics (FGA)

• Chlorpromazine
• Fluphenazine
• Haloperidol
• Loxapine
• Perphenazine
• Thiothixene
• Trifluoperazine

Second-Generation Antipsychotics (SGA)

• Aripiprazole
• Asenapine
• Brexpiprazole
• Cariprazine
• Clozapine
• Iloperidone
• Lurasidone
• Olanzapine
• Paliperidone
• Quetiapine
• Risperidone
• Ziprasidone.

These are just some of the antipsychotic medications that are available to treat schizophrenia. As always, it’s important to speak with a mental health professional or psychiatrist to determine which medication is right for you.

However, the medication that is right for one person may not be the right medication for another. One thing is for sure, though: with the right treatment, people with schizophrenia can and do lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. There are many resources available to offer support. You just need to give it a start.

Warnings And Precautions In Schizophrenia Medication

Schizophrenia is a very serious mental illness. And its important to be under the care of a doctor when taking any type of medication for it. That being said, there are many different types of medications used to treat schizophrenia and each person reacts differently to each one.

It is important to work with your doctor to find the best medication or combination of medications for you. Hence, there are some warnings and precautions before starting schizophrenia medication. Such as;

Warnings

• All antipsychotic medications may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.
• It may cause drowsiness, trouble with coordination, and shaking (tremor). These side effects can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. You should not take antipsychotics if you drink alcohol or use illegal drugs.
• The drug creates problems with blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about whether this type of medication is right for you.
• Antipsychotics may cause weight gain and changes in lipids (fats) in your blood. This increases your risk for diabetes and heart disease.
• Rarely, it may cause an increased risk of suicide. Especially in children and young adults.
• Problems with sexual function. Such as decreased libido or erectile dysfunction. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about these side effects.

Precautions

• Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking. That includes over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had liver or kidney disease, heart disease, a stroke, or high blood pressure.
• Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor first. This can cause withdrawal symptoms or make your condition worse.
• Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose and increase it slowly over time. This is to help reduce side effects.
• You will need to have your blood pressure and weight checked regularly. While taking this medication.

It’s also important to tell your doctor about any other mental health conditions you have. Schizophrenia often occurs with other mental health disorders such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and depression.

When To Avoid Taking Medication For Schizophrenia?

A lot of people with schizophrenia are able to lead relatively normal lives by taking medication prescribed by their doctor. However, there are some instances where it is best to avoid taking medication for schizophrenia. Such situations are:

• If you have an infection or are pregnant.
• In case, you have a history of seizures, liver disease, or heart disease.
• You should not take antipsychotics if you are allergic to them.
• When you are about to drive or operate heavy machinery.
• Also, do not drink alcohol while taking antipsychotics. As it can make the side effects worse.

As always, consult with your doctor before making any decisions regarding your treatment. They will be able to advise you best. If taking medication for schizophrenia is the best option for you or not.

Side Effects of Schizophrenia Medication

Most antipsychotics come with a long list of potential side effects. And while not everyone will experience them, they’re still important to be aware of. Here are some of the more common side effects associated with antipsychotic use:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Weight gain Constipation
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Tremors
• Muscle stiffness or spasms
• Increased saliva production
• Sexual dysfunction.

While these side effects can be very unpleasant. It’s important to remember that they don’t occur in everyone who takes antipsychotics. And, for many people, the benefits of these medications outweigh the drawbacks. If you are concerned about potential side effects, be sure to talk to your doctor. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking a particular medication.

Also, the side effects can vary depending on the specific antipsychotic you take. So, if one medication isn’t working well for you, there may be another that causes fewer side effects.

If you do experience any unpleasant side effects from your medication, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication. With the right treatment, you can manage your schizophrenia and live a full, productive life.

Alternative Treatment Options

There are other options as well. Even so, in medication there are certain available combinations that may help to target different symptoms.

Combination Schizophrenia Medication

For instance, some antidepressant works well with antipsychotic. And, many considers this combination schizophrenia medication for the treatment. Other antipsychotics are used as well. They belong to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics.

This type of schizophrenia medication was introduced in the 1990s and they have been shown to be more effective and have fewer side effects than older drugs, such as Thorazine.

Another example is quetiapine, which works as an antidepressant, anti-anxiety medication, and a sedative. Lurasidone is also approved to treat depression in people with schizophrenia.

Therapy Treatment

Treatments that have been found to be particularly effective includes:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

It is useful and well recommended for patients with schizophrenia. CBT helps people with schizophrenia to:

• Recognize and change their thinking patterns that might be contributing to their delusions or hallucinations.
• Develop coping skills for dealing with the symptoms of psychosis, stress, and paranoia.
• Build up a support network of friends or family members.
• Learn how to recognize early warning signs of a relapse so they can take action to prevent it from happening.

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

DBT helps in teaching people with schizophrenia. It is useful in learning communication and to cope up with the situations well such things the therapy teaches:

• Manage their intense emotions.
• Deal with stressful situations without becoming overwhelmed.
• Helpful in reducing self-harm and suicidal thoughts in people with schizophrenia.

Art therapy

This type of therapy uses art as a way to express oneself. It can help people with schizophrenia to:

• Externalize their thoughts and feelings.
• Work through difficult experiences and memories.
• Develop a greater sense of self-awareness and identity.

Music therapy

This type of therapy uses music as a way to relax, express emotions, and cope with stress. It can help people with schizophrenia to:

• Reduce anxiety and agitation.
• Improve communication skills.
• Increase positive emotions.

Family Therapy

This type of therapy can help people with schizophrenia by:

• Reducing stress and conflict within the family.
• Improving communication and problem-solving skills.
• Supporting the recovery process.

Self Care Technique

Self care treatment is the must and foremost thing. Because, when we fight with any disorder it is important to work from within self. And, there self care comes it includes practices that help to:

• Reduce stress.
• Increase relaxation.
• Boost self-esteem and confidence.

You must follow below techniques to live a healthy and stress free life.

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Get enough sleep.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol.
• Practice yoga and meditation.

These are some of the treatments that are available for people suffering from schizophrenia. It is important to remember that everyone is different. So, the treatment options definitely varies person to person.

Therefore, finding treatment other than medication is also necessary. Therefore, finding treatment other than medication is also necessary. And, in that case, self care is the best way to come out from any kind of problem. Be it physical or mental.

However, you can enjoy the benefits with combination treatment. But, remember self care is mandatory in any scenario.

Conclusion

To conclude, schizophrenia medication is not a one size fits all solution. The most popular medications for treating the condition are antipsychotics. Which come in both first-generation (older) and second-generation (newer) varieties. Each type of antipsychotic has its own unique set of side effects. So it’s important to work with a mental health professional to find the right medication for you.

In some cases, other types of medications, such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants may be prescribed in addition to an antipsychotic. With treatment, many people with schizophrenia are able to live fulfilling lives. However, self care and other treatment options are also shown effective in treating the same.

A Word From Therapy Mantra

Your mental health — Your psychological, emotional, and social well-being — has an impact on every aspect of your life. Positive mental health essentially allows you to effectively deal with life’s everyday challenges.

At TherapyMantra, we have a team of therapists who provide affordable online therapy to assist you with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, workplace Issues, addiction, relationship, OCD, LGBTQ, and PTSD. You can book a free therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.

Reference Blog– Equine Therapy