Common Side Effects of Psychotropic Medication

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

Side effects are very common to experience when taking psychotropic medication. Everyone responds differently to medication and has a different experience while taking these drugs. Your age, health, and the type of medication taken are all factors that contribute to the side effects that you might experience. Side effects typically dissipate after several days or weeks and can be managed successfully. Immediately report any unusual or severe side effects to your doctor as your doctor can help manage and adjust your medications accordingly. Below is a list of common side effects for psychotropic medications.

Side Effects of Antidepressants:

Normally antidepressant side effects are relatively mild and dissipate within several days, however there are circumstances where side effects can be severe. Report any side effects to your treatment of depression to your medical professional immediately.

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Sleeplessness or drowsiness

• Agitation

• Sexual problems

• Dry Mouth

• Constipation

• Bladder issues

• Blurred vision

 

Side Effects of Antipsychotics:

Side effects of antipsychotic medications can range from mild to severe. Long-term use of typical antipsychotic medications may lead to a disorder called tardive dyskinesia (TD). TD causes uncontrollable muscle movements or spasms. This disorder is less common among individuals who take the newer atypical antipsychotic medications, however consult your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects.

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Weight gain

• Blurred vision

• Rapid heartbeat

• Rigidity

• Muscle spasms

• Restlessness

• Tremors

• Sensitivity to the sun

• Skin rashes

• Menstrual problems for women

 

Side Effects of Mood Stabilizers:

There are several different medications used to treat bipolar disorder and they can cause different side effects. (Reference the side effects of antidepressant medication and antipsychotic medications). Mood stabilizers such as lithium and anticonvulsant medications are more commonly used.

• Excessive thirst

• Loss of coordination

• Frequent urination

• Blackouts

• Seizures

• Slurred speech

• Irregular heartbeat

• Hallucinations

• Changes in vision

• Itching/rashes

• Swelling

• Changes in weight

• Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting

• Loss of appetite

 

Side Effects of Antianxiety Medications:

Anxiety is treated with antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers. The more common side effect for benzodiazepines is drowsiness. Other side effects can include:

• Upset stomach, nausea

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Blurred vision

• Headache

• Confusion

• Nightmares

• Nervousness

• Lightheadedness

• Trouble sleeping

 

Common side effects from beta-blockers include:

• Fatigue

• Cold hands

• Dizziness

• Weakness

Contact Dr. Parisi for low cost therapy in Chicago, Mt. Prospect, and surrounding areas including Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, and Wilmette.

What are the Different Types of Psychotropic Medication?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

There are many different types of psychotropic medications. Below is a list of the more popular medications along with the disorder and symptoms (and here are some of their side effects) they treat.

Depression:

Depression is treated with antidepressant medications. Antidepressants help to balance chemicals that are in our brains that affect our mood. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters and they affect our mood and emotions. These neurotransmitters are called serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The more common antidepressants are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Some examples are:

  •  Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  •  Citalopram (Celexa)
  •  Sertraline (Zoloft)
  •  Paroxetine (Paxil)
  •  Escitalopram (Lexapro)

 

Other types of antidepressants are serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SNRIs are similar to SSRIs. SSRIs and SNRIs are popular because they do not cause as many side effects as other types of antidepressants. Other antidepressant medications include tricyclics, tetracyclics, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). For some people, tricyclics, tetracyclics, or MAOIs may be the best option dependent on their circumstances and needs.

Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorders:

Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders are treated with antipsychotic medications. The older antipsychotic medications are called “typical” while the newer antipsychotic medications are referred to as “atypical” antipsychotic medication. These medications treat psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.

‘Typical’ Antipsychotic medication:

  •  Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
  •  Haloperidol (Haldol)
  •  Perphenazine (generic only)
  •  Fluphenazine (generic only)

 

‘Atypical’ Antipsychotic Medication:

  •  Risperidone (Risperdal)
  •  Clozapine (Clozaril)
  •  Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
  •  Quetiapine (Seroquel)
  •  Ziprasidone (Geodon)
  •  Aripiprazole (Abilify)
  •  Paliperidone (Invega)
  •  Lurasidone (Latuda)

 

Bipolar Disorder:

Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive disorder, is treated with mood stabilizers. At times it can be appropriate to treat bipolar disorder with antipsychotic medications or antidepressants, along with a mood stabilizer. Lithium is one of the most common mood stabilizers and is very effective. Anticonvulsant medications are sometimes used as mood stabilizers as they were found to help control mood. For some people this might work better than Lithium.

Anxiety:

Anti-anxiety medications, antidepressant, and beta-blockers all treat anxiety symptoms. Some of the commonly know disorders include OCD, PTSD, Panic disorder, Social Phobia, and Generalized Anxiety. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety and start working faster than antidepressants. Beta-blockers can also be used to treat anxiety as these medications help to control some of the physical symptoms of anxiety such as sweating and shaking. These medicines can help keep physical symptoms under control.

  •  Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  •  Lorazepam (Ativan)
  •  Alprazolam (Xana)

 

Contact Dr. Parisi for low cost therapy in Chicago, Mt. Prospect, and surrounding areas including Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, and Wilmette.