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Understanding Antipsychotics
Taking antipsychotic medication as directed by your doctor or pharmacist can help you manage symptoms, reduce side effects, and improve overall quality of life.
Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings, while schizophrenia makes it difficult to think clearly and manage emotions. Symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations, and negative emotional symptoms. Some people may have symptoms of both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The same type of medication treats both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Commonly prescribed medications include aripiprazole, chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, paliperidone, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone.
Common Antipsychotic Side Effects
Common side effects include:
- Tremors and muscles stiffness
- Weight gain
- High blood sugar (diabetes)
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Sleepiness
- Low blood pressure when standing up
Talk to your pharmacist for tips on taking your medication effectively to reduce the risk of unwanted effects. If you have tried ways to prevent side effects and are still experiencing them, another medication may be better for you with less reactions.
Taking Antipsychotics
While taking antipsychotics, you may not notice results until at least six weeks, but you should continue your medication to see the full improvement of symptoms. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience side effects. Don't abruptly discontinue your medication – taper off with your doctor's help if needed. Make sure to get your blood sugar tested each year while taking antipsychotic medications.
Medication Tips for Antipsychotics
To get the most out of your medication, you should:
- Continue taking it as prescribed
- Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about side effects or changes
- Ask your pharmacist about automatic refills so that your medication will be ready without having to call ahead or wait at the pharmacy
- Ask your pharmacist about medication synchronization to reduce your trips to the pharmacy by allowing you to pick up your medications on the same day
- Consider a 90-day supply after the first month if the medication is working for you
Transportation Help
If you are unable to pick up your medications due to transportation challenges, ask your local pharmacy if it offers delivery. If you would rather receive your medications in the mail, you can switch your medications to mail-order by logging in to Blueprint Portal, clicking pharmacy, and selecting pharmacy center to choose which medications you want delivered by mail. You can also call 800-969-3983 to begin receiving mail-order prescriptions.
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