Antipsychotic Medication

About this guide

This page explains antipsychotic medicines in general terms so you can understand them and discuss them with a prescriber. It does not give doses or recommend specific medicines, since those decisions are individual and belong to a qualified doctor, usually a psychiatrist. As with all prescription medicines, these should never be bought informally or taken without proper assessment and monitoring.

What they are

Antipsychotics are prescription medicines used mainly to treat psychosis (a loss of contact with reality, with symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions), as seen in schizophrenia and sometimes in severe bipolar disorder and severe depression. Some are also used to stabilise mood in bipolar disorder. They work on chemical messengers in the brain, particularly dopamine, to reduce the intensity of psychotic symptoms and help restore a person's grip on reality.

For conditions like schizophrenia, antipsychotic medication is often an essential foundation of treatment, and staying on it consistently is one of the most important factors in staying well and avoiding relapse.

The main classes, in general terms

There are two broad groups, often called the older (first-generation) and newer (second-generation) antipsychotics. They differ in their patterns of possible side effects rather than simply in how well they work, and the newer group is now more commonly used first in many places. One particular medicine is reserved for cases that have not responded to others and requires special monitoring. Which medicine suits a person depends on their situation, response and side-effect profile, and is a decision for the prescribing specialist. This guide names the groups for understanding only.

What to expect

Antipsychotics can begin to reduce agitation and distress fairly quickly, while the full effect on other symptoms builds over weeks. Side effects vary by medicine and are an important part of the conversation with the prescriber, since they influence which medicine is used and can often be managed. Some are available as long-acting injections given every few weeks, which some people prefer to daily tablets. Regular review is essential. Stopping suddenly risks relapse, so any change is made with the specialist.

Important things to know

For psychotic conditions, medication is usually necessary and works best alongside psychological and social support, family education and help with daily life. It is not a sign of weakness to need it. Never stop or change the medicine without medical advice, even when feeling well, since this is when staying on treatment matters most. Never take someone else's, and never obtain these informally. Tell the prescriber about all other medicines and physical health conditions.

When to seek help

If you or a family member experiences symptoms of psychosis, such as hearing or seeing things others do not, or holding fixed beliefs others find untrue, seek medical help, ideally specialist help. Early treatment improves outcomes. Our Get Support page can help you find services, and our schizophrenia and bipolar guides explain the conditions themselves.