Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics are a type of psychiatric medication which are available on prescription to treat psychosis. They are licensed to treat certain types of mental health problem whose symptoms include psychotic experiences. This includes:
• schizophrenia
• schizoaffective disorder
• some forms of bipolar disorder
• severe depression
• The psychotic symptoms of a personality disorder.

Some antipsychotics are also licensed to treat other health problems, including:
• physical problems, such as persistent hiccups, problems with balance and nausea (feeling sick)
• Agitation and psychotic experiences in dementia. This is only recommended if you pose a risk to yourself or others, or if you are severely distressed.

Antipsychotics can be prescribed to be taken in various different ways.

Most commonly you will take them by swallowing them, in tablet or liquid form.

But some of them can also be prescribed as a depot injection. This is a slow-release, slow-acting form of the medication, given as an injection every few weeks.

If you are given antipsychotics in hospital, doctors may use a type of antipsychotic that you can inhale. But this is not available for general prescription.

Types of antipsychotics
Atypical
Conventional”