Conventional Antipsychotic Medications

• Medications such as Thioridazine and Fluphenazine have been used to treat schizophrenia for many years. They cost less than newer drugs, but have a higher incidence of adverse side effects such as involuntary jerking movements.
  
  

Atypical Antipsychotics

• Newer medications such as Clozapine and Paliperidone usually more costly than older antipsychotic medications. Adverse side effects associated with these drugs include weight gain and high cholesterol.
  
  

Selecting a Medication

• Doctors choose an antipsychotic medication based on a number of factors. If a particular medication does not provide relief or has intolerable side effects, they may change the medication or its dosage.
  
  

Goals of Medication

• Due to the possibilities of adverse side effects, most doctors attempt to find the minimum dosage of the antipsychotic medication that will treat the schizophrenia effectively.
  
  

Cautions for Antipsychotics

• Patients should not discontinue antipsychotic medications unless directed by a doctor. Many antipsychotic drugs need to be gradually withdrawn to prevent withdrawal symptoms.