In treating psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, Antipsychotic medications are used. These drugs are a class of medicines which are used to treat psychosis and other mental and emotional disorders, such as bipolar disease. In 1990, a new type of Antipsychotic Drug was being used in the treatment of psychotic disorders. These drugs were known as .atypical antipsychotics. and not the standard antipsychotics that had been previously used. Clozapine (Clozari) was among the first of the newer drugs and was shown to be more effective in treatment. This drug works in 30% of patients in whom traditional medications had failed. However, the possible side effects of this particular drug are rather severe.a condition known as agranulocytosis may develop. Agranulocytosis denotes the loss of white blood cells which fight infection in the body; therefore, patients on clozapine must have regular blood tests every one or two weeks to ensure this side effect does not have negative health issues for them.

Newer Antipsychotic Drugs are safer than the older drugs or even clozapine; another positive factor is that these medications may be better tolerated by patients. Risperidone (Risperdal) and olanzapine (Zyprexa) are two of these drugs; however, they may not be as effective as clozapine. As always further research continues in this field in order to develop more effective medications with less adverse side effects.

Although almost any Antipsychotic Drug may prove effective in treating certain symptoms of schizophrenia, especially the alarming symptoms of hallucinations and delusions, most of these drugs do not prove as helpful in other areas. For example, both the patient.s lack of emotional expressiveness and the lack of motivation may still go unrelieved. Additionally, some of the older Antipsychotics, also known as neuroleptics (tranquilizers that usually induced a state of apathy or limited range of emotion), such as haloperidol (Haldo) or chlorpromazine (Thorazine) have side effects similar to the more difficult symptoms of schizophrenia. However, these effects can be counteracted and reduced by lowering the dosage or changing to a different medication. The medications which may be substituted are olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), and risperidone (Risperdal). These are newer medications and usually have proven to be less problematic than the older ones. At times the patient with schizophrenia may develop depression and the schizophrenic symptoms seem to worsen. In this case, the physician may prescribe antidepressant medications to help in relieving the symptoms.

Sometimes, either the families of the patients or the patients, themselves, become apprehensive about the Antipsychotic medications which are used in treating schizophrenia. They are concerned about the side effects of these drugs. Some of these side effects may include: drowsiness, muscle spasms, tremor, restlessness, dry mouth, or vision blurring. However, side effects may be corrected by using lower doses of the medications or using other medications to control the side effects. Another concern which bothers both patients and their families is that the medication could lead to addiction. Since the Antipsychotic medications will not produce an euphoric state (a .high.) or any additional addictive behavior, these medications are safe in this regards.

One other major worry is in regards to the Antipsychotic medications affecting patients as a .chemical straitjacket. used to control their minds. However, when these drugs are taken at the appropriate dosage, they will not immobilize patients nor take their free will. Although the Antipsychotic Drug can act as a sedative (which is useful when the patient is very agitated), it is used in diminishing hallucinations, delusions, confusion, and agitation during psychotic episodes. When physician, patient, and patient.s family are involved with the patient.s treatment for schizophrenia, the Antipsychotic Drug is an effective tool in helping patients recover and increasing their abilities to cope more rationally with the world around them.

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