Guide To The Potential Side Effects Of Antipsychotics

Tics And Tremors

Any antipsychotic drug comes with a risk of tics and tremors and other body movements, though most of these symptoms become milder over time. If they're severe enough, patients might discontinue their medication and try another instead, though they should only do so under the guidance of a doctor. Conventional antipsychotics, most of which were developed in the 1950s, are the most likely to cause the development of motor issues. Atypical antipsychotics, which were developed more recently, are much less likely to cause motor impairment. However, no antipsychotic medication comes completely free of these risks.

The tics and tremors caused by antipsychotics have a name: drug-induced parkinsonism. This is the second-highest cause of parkinsonism in elderly patients behind Parkinson's disease itself. It's common for drug-induced parkinsonism patients to receive a misdiagnosis of Parkinson's disease because there isn't any clinical difference in the diagnostic criteria. Patients who have drug-induced parkinsonism may also suffer from neurological deficits that affect their day-to-day life for a long time after they stop taking the medication that caused the symptoms. It's important for patients to monitor themselves for signs of motor impairment and talk to their doctor if they notice anything worrying.

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Weight Gain

Nearly every antipsychotic on the market will cause some weight gain, which is why patients should make a plan with their doctor to determine how they will manage it. If individuals gain too much weight, they may be at an increased risk of cardiovascular health problems, and they might also increase their risk of death from a stroke or heart attack. In addition, patients who gain weight on antipsychotics are more likely to stop taking them. The risk of weight gain seems to be highest with clozapine and olanzapine. The largest amount of weight gain tends to happen in the period immediately after patients start taking antipsychotics. Over a long period, patients tend to continue gaining weight, though it happens at a much slower pace. Studies have shown children are more vulnerable than adults to gaining weight from antipsychotics. Researchers recommend health professionals monitor the weight of their patients carefully and tailor the antipsychotic dosage to meet each patient's needs.

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