Antipsychotic Medications

Risperidone (Risperdal)

Receptor profile: Risperidone binds strongly to serotonin and dopamine receptors; has affinity for alpha receptors. 

This is a second generation atypical antipsychotic medication. Few extrapyramidal side effects and has been shown to be effective in some people who have not responded to other medications. 

It is possible that this drug may also reduce depression. There is however weight gain with this medication more than most conventional antipsychotics, but less weight gain than olanazapine or clozapine. 

Possible side effects: anxiety, runny nose, nausea and sexual side effects. 

The half life is 24 hours. 

Forms Available: 
1 mg scored tablets; unscored 2, 3, and 4 mg tablets 

Liquid form available 
Long-acting and short-acting IM forms not available

Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Receptor profile: similar to clozapine, binds to serotonin and dopamine receptors; also has affinity for muscarinic, histaminic, and alpha receptors 

Forms available 
Unscored 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 mg tablets 

Liquid and long-acting and short-acting IM preparations not available 

The third atypical antipsychotic that came out and can be used as a first-line antipsychotic medication. Side effects can include tiredness, constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness and weight gain. In fact Olanzapine causes a significant amount of weight gain, much more than Risperdal. 

Significant weight gain occurs in about one-third of patients 

Watch for increased appetite and weight gain. Rapid weight gain (>20 lbs) in the first six weeks often signifies that weight gain will continue during the first six months of treatment. 

Quetiapine (Seroquel)

Quetiapine was released 10/1997. It is the fourth atypical antipsychotic introduced and can be used as a first-line medication. 

Receptor profile: binds to serotonin and, less strongly, dopamine receptors; also has affinity for histaminic and alpha receptors, but virtually no muscarinic activity 

Forms available 
Unscored 25, 100, and 200 mg tablets. Other dose strengths may become available. 

Liquid and IM preparations not available 

Half-life approximately 7 hours 

It has fewer sexual side effects compared to some of the other antipsychotic medications.

Some weight gain. 

Side effects: agitation, tiredness, headache, dizziness, constipation and dry mouth. 

BUT WHAT IF I CAN’T AFFORD THOSE MEDICATIONS AND MY DOCTOR PRESCRIBES THEM?

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Your doctor can give you free samples of medications if you can’t afford to buy it. Most companies give Drs. free samples. 

Also, call the Drug Company directly.

REFERENCES:

Breakthroughs in Antipsychotic Medications: A Guide for Consumers, Families, and Clinicians by Peter J. Weiden, M.D., Patricia L. Scheifler, M.S.W., Ronald J. Diamond, M.D., Ruth Ross, M.A.; W.W. Norton & Company, New York, 1999 by the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill. 

Instant Psychopharmacology: A Guide for the Nonmedical Mental Health Professional by Ronald J. Diamond; W.W. Norton & Company, New York, 1998