Antipsychotic Drug Treatments

Antipsychotic drugs, commonly used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and psychotic depression, require a prescription to buy. These drugs work on the chemicals of the brain to reduce any states of abnormal excitement. Antipsychotic medications can prevent self-injury behaviors, stop the hallucinations such as hearing voices that are associated with schizophrenia, or end the abnormally elevated and risk-taking mood known as mania. These can be taken on a daily basis or administered as-needed when a schizophrenic, depressed, or bipolar patient is having new serious mental health challenges. Antipsychotic drugs do have some risk of potentially serious side effects.

Tardive Dyskinesia

• Antipsychotic medications all carry the risk of tardive dyskinesia, though the risk is considered higher when using the older "typical" drugs, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The condition causes permanent changes in the brain that create involuntary movements of the person's face, lips, tongue and limbs. There is no cure for tardive dyskinesia, even if the antipsychotic drug is stopped. However, some symptoms can be improved over time in many cases.

Abilify

• Abilify is one of the newer antipsychotics and as of September 2009, was not available as a generic drug. Its active antipsychotic ingredient is aripiprazole. Possible side effects include the following: headache, nervousness, dizziness, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea and joint pain. Users can also develop problems such as a rash, difficulty breathing, itching, hives and muscle stiffness. As of September 2009, the cash pay price for 30 15-milligram Abilify tablets was about $445.

Haldol

• Haldol is an antipsychotic that has been available since the 1950s, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Side effects possible with this treatment include the following: problems falling asleep or staying asleep, dry mouth, increased saliva, blurred vision, and loss of appetite. The medication is now available primarily as the generic drug haloperidol and usually costs about $4 at most drugstores as of September 2009.

Geodon

• Geodon is another one of the newer antipsychotics and as of September 2009, was not available as a generic medication. The active antipsychotic ingredient is ziprasidone. Possible side effects associated with Geodon treatment are as follows: runny nose, sneezing, cough, weight gain, muscle pain, and loss of appetite. An erection of the penis that will not go away is also possible and requires emergency medical help. As of September 2009, the cash pay price for 60 20 mg Geodon pills was about $430.

Clozapine

• Clozapine is another one of the newer antipsychotic drugs but requires regular blood tests because it can potentially create a life-threatening reduction of white blood cells in the body, according to MedlinePlus. The medication is marketed under the brand name of Clozaril as of September 2009 and a generic formula was not available. Other possible side effects with Clozaril treatment include the following: increased salivation, dry mouth, restlessness, and headache. As of September 2009, the cash pay price for 100 25-milligram Clozaril tablets was about $240.