Some Antipsychotic Drugs

Some Antipsychotic Drugs

Some Antipsychotic Drugs are Risperidone, Procyclidine Hydrochloride, Aripiprazole, Sertraline Hydrochloride, etc. Drug knowledge like Indication, Contraindication, Mode of Action, Doses form, Doses, Side effects of these drugs are mentioned here.

Risperidone

Risperidone is an oral or injectable atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and irritability associated with autism. It works by balancing levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. 

Key Uses

Risperidone is FDA-approved for: 

• Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 13 and older.
• Bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes), used alone or with other mood stabilizers like lithium or valproate, in adults and children aged 10 and older.
• Irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents aged 5 to 16. 

It may also be used off-label for other conditions like Tourette syndrome or as an adjunct in treatment-resistant depression. 

Available Forms

Risperidone is available in several forms: 

• Standard oral tablets
• Oral solution (liquid)
• Orally disintegrating tablets (which dissolve quickly on the tongue)
• Long-acting injections (intramuscular or subcutaneous) administered by a healthcare provider every 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the specific product. 

Important Safety Information & Side Effects

Risperidone can cause side effects and carries important warnings. 

Boxed Warning

Older adults with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic medications such as risperidone have an increased risk of death and stroke. Risperidone is not approved for this use. 

Common Side Effects

• Drowsiness or feeling tired
• Weight gain and increased appetite
• Movement problems like tremors, restlessness (akathisia), or muscle stiffness
• Headaches
• Dizziness, especially when standing up quickly
• Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
• Increased prolactin levels, which can lead to breast enlargement or discharge, and missed menstrual periods 

Serious Side Effects

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): A rare but life-threatening condition involving high fever, severe muscle stiffness, confusion, and irregular heartbeat.
• Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): A movement disorder that may become permanent, causing uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue, or body.
• High Blood Sugar: Can increase the risk of developing diabetes; symptoms include extreme thirst and frequent urination.
• Orthostatic Hypotension: A significant drop in blood pressure when changing position, leading to dizziness and a risk of falls. 

Precautions and Interactions

• Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol as it can increase drowsiness and other side effects.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss risks and benefits with a doctor; newborns exposed during the third trimester may experience withdrawal symptoms.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart problems, diabetes, or a history of seizures.
• Other Medications: Risperidone can interact with other drugs, including certain antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and Parkinson’s disease medications. 

Always take risperidone exactly as prescribed by your doctor and do not stop taking it abruptly without medical supervision, as this can cause symptoms to return or lead to withdrawal effects.