Antipsychotic Adverse Effects

Antipsychotic Adverse Effects

Antipsychotic medications play a crucial role in managing psychiatric disorders, particularly Schizophrenia. However, understanding their adverse effects is essential for safe and effective patient care. Explore the common adverse effects associated with typical antipsychotics, emphasizing the importance of monitoring, patient education, and individualized treatment approaches.

APA

Typical Antipsychotic Adverse Effects

Common Adverse Effects

1. Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
   • Dystonia: Sudden muscle contractions causing twisting and repetitive movements.
   • Parkinsonism: Symptoms resembling Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, bradykinesia, and rigidity.
   • Akathisia: Restlessness and an urgent need to move.
   • Tardive Dyskinesia: Involuntary, repetitive body movements, often involving the face and tongue.
2. Sedation
   • Common in many typical antipsychotics, leading to drowsiness and impaired daily functioning.
3. Anticholinergic Effects
   • Dry Mouth: Uncomfortable dryness of the mouth.
   • Constipation: Difficulty in bowel movements.
   • Blurred Vision: Difficulty in seeing clearly.
   • Urinary Retention: Difficulty in emptying the bladder.
4. Orthostatic Hypotension
   • Drop in blood pressure upon standing, causing dizziness or fainting.
5. Weight Gain
   • Significant weight gain, which can contribute to metabolic syndrome.
6. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
   • A rare but life-threatening condition characterized by muscle rigidity, fever, autonomic instability, and altered mental status

Typical Antipsychotic Adverse Effects

Common Adverse Effects

1. Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
   • Dystonia: Sudden muscle contractions causing twisting and repetitive movements.
   • Parkinsonism: Symptoms resembling Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, bradykinesia, and rigidity.
   • Akathisia: Restlessness and an urgent need to move.
   • Tardive Dyskinesia: Involuntary, repetitive body movements, often involving the face and tongue.
2. Sedation
   • Common in many typical antipsychotics, leading to drowsiness and impaired daily functioning.
3. Anticholinergic Effects
   • Dry Mouth: Uncomfortable dryness of the mouth.
   • Constipation: Difficulty in bowel movements.
   • Blurred Vision: Difficulty in seeing clearly.
   • Urinary Retention: Difficulty in emptying the bladder.
4. Orthostatic Hypotension
   • Drop in blood pressure upon standing, causing dizziness or fainting.
5. Weight Gain
   • Significant weight gain, which can contribute to metabolic syndrome.
6. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
   • A rare but life-threatening condition characterized by muscle rigidity, fever, autonomic instability, and altered mental status…