These drugs are prescribed to combat psychotic features of the moodswings. They calm people and slow down their thoughts so they don’t get so exhausted. They reduce the amount of strange thoughts, impulsiveness, delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations. Usually they are used for a short time and then are slowly phased out. Abrupt cessation of the drug can bring a return of symptoms. Some side effects can be treated with anticholinergics. It is important not to stop taking the medication or change the dose without consulting your doctor.

CLASS & DRUGS	TRADE NAME	POSSIBLE EFFECTS	CAUTIONS
Butyrophenone
Haloperidol	SERENACE          HALDOL	Parkinsonism-like symptoms (restlessness, tremor, muscle stiffness, difficulty in swallowing) may occur in the first few days and at higher doses. Nasal congestion, dry mouth (or extra salivation), weakness, nausea, headache, sedation, dizziness, agitation, blurred vision, insomnia, vertigo, postural low blood pressure, increased heart rate, sweating, stomach paralysis, weight gain, hormonal imbalance (menstrual irregularities, breast swelling in males, impotence), urinary incontinence, aversion to light, contact sensitization and photosensitivity of the skin, reduced seizure threshold, blood disorders, obstructive jaundice. Tardive dyskinesia (tongue rolling and facial movements) may occur with prolonged treatment and high doses.	Avoid alcohol. Care with driving or using machinery. Avoid excessive sunlight. Can interact with some other medications to cause an increase in drowsiness or confusion.
Phenothlazines
Fluphenazine Chlorpromazine Trifluoperazine	MODECATE (injection) LARGACTIL STELAZINE	The possible effects are the same as for Haloperidol (above)	All antipsychotics / neuroleptics come with the warning to avoid alcohol and take care with driving and machinery. They may affect concentration.
Thioxanthines
Flupenthixol	DEPIXOL (injection)	The possible effects are the same as for Haloperidol (above)
Atypical		These are the most common side effects of atypical antipsychotic medications
Clozapine	CLOZARIL	Blurred vision, constipation, urinary incontinence, drowsiness, lots of saliva, hypotension (low blood pressure), palpitations, weight gain. Rarely clozapine can lower the number of white blood cells in your blood. White cells help to fight infection so if you have fewer of them it is harder to fight infection.	Regular blood tests are required to monitor levels of white blood cells. Let your doctor know if you have Parkinson’s disease, liver, kidney, heart trouble, are pregnant or planning to be pregnant.
Risperidone	RISPERDAL	Headache, hypotension (low blood pressure), restlessness, sexual dysfuction, breast tenderness and mild secretion in men and women as a result of raised prolactin levels. Prolactin is a naturally occuring hormone.	Let your doctor know if you have Parkinson’s disease, liver, kidney, heart trouble, are pregnant or planning to be pregnant.
Quetiapine	SEROQUEL	Dyspepsia (stomach upset), drowsiness, hypotension.	Let your doctor know if you have Parkinson’s disease, liver, kidney, heart trouble, are pregnant or planning to be pregnant.
Olanzapine	ZYPREXA	Weight gain, drowsiness, and rarely, sexual dysfunction.	Let your doctor know if you have Parkinson’s disease, liver, kidney, heart trouble, are pregnant or planning to be pregnant.

PLEASE NOTE:
THE DRUG INFORMATION ON THIS AND THE PREVIOUS PAGES IS A GUIDE ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE DETAILED INFORMATION ON ALL DRUGS. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ADVICE.