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This hyperactivity is thought to be a result of hypersensitivity of the dopamine receptor, especially [D2].
Matthew Stewart Bennett/Getty Images
The antipsychotic medications either block this receptor or reduce its activity.
Like all medications, antipsychotics can come with side effects.
So, they can cause symptoms that reach beyond the main dopamine-related effects.
That said, not all antipsychotic drugs are associated with the same side effects.
But more modern atypical antipsychotics (also called second-generation) can also produce side effects.
And some people simply respond differently to specific drugs than others.
So, no matter what medication you take, your mileage may vary.
Here are some of the potential side effects that you should keep in mind if youre taking antipsychotics.
You might feel a bit drowsy.
Dr. Margolis says antipsychotics havea sedative qualitythat often causes drowsiness.
You might feel a sense of restlessness.
You could gain some weight.
Dr. Margolis says that antipsychotics can increase your appetite, possibly leading to weight gain.
You could develop some metabolic issues, like high blood pressure or increased blood glucose levels.
Luckily, these side effects aren’t common.
That can lead some people to develophyperglycemia(high blood sugar) and eventually diabetes.
You could also developlowblood pressure or feel some dizziness.
Research suggests that initially, antipsychotic drugs can cause changes in blood pressure.
Initially, you might experience an increase in blood pressure (even injust the first three days).
So if you experience this, its important to check in with your doctor.
You might experience a lower sex drive.
Another side effect associated with antipsychotic drugs (likeantidepressants) is lowering libido, Dr. Marolis says.
You could notice some anticholinergic effects.
These effectsincluding changes insalivation, sweating, urination, bowel movements, or cognitionare more common with atypical antipsychotics.
You could experience some involuntary muscle movements.
However, this usually only occurs after long-term treatment.
Unfortunately, its possible for tardive dyskinesiato persisteven if the drug is stopped.
Some side effects mimic the symptoms of Parkinsons disease.
Its a common side effect of many atypical antipsychotics, especially among elderly patients.
Drug-induced Parkinsonismis a jot down of movement disorder, yet its distinct from tardive dyskinesia.
Symptoms are usually more severe as your dosage increases.
In rare cases, you could experience seizures.
Although seizures are a rare side effect of antipsychotic drugs, theyve been reported with nearly all of them.
Researchsuggeststhat chlorpromazine is the most likely to cause seizures among typical antipsychotics while clozapine is most likely among atypicals.
In other rare cases, you could have a drop in white blood cells.
And, of course, these arent the only side effects you might experience.
Birth control pills and common over-the-counter painkillers aren’t usually an issue.
But if youre experiencing side effects that last more than a week, you should notify your doctor.