Antipsychotic Medicines

Some children experience psychosis (being out of touch with reality) or severe mood symptoms. Antipsychotic medicines can be very helpful for children with either psychosis or severe mood symptoms. Always check with your child's doctor before stopping or starting any medicine.

Psychosis includes:
Being out of touch with reality
Possible hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not really there)
Possible delusions

Mood symptoms include:
Aggression
Depression
Anger
Social Withdrawal
Agitation

Antipsychotic Medicine, examples:

Risperdal

Seroquel

Zyprexa

Geodon

Abilify

Invega

Antipsychotic Medicine Side Effects

Sleepiness

Increased appetite

Weight gain

Dilated pupils

Dizziness

Sensitivity to sunlight- (Make sure your child wear’s sunscreen.)

Antipsychotic Medicine Movement Side Effects (Extrapyramidal Symptoms)

Involuntary movements of face, jaw, neck

Tremors

Motor restlessness

Muscular rigidity

Muscular weakness

Peculiar posture

Drooling

Movement Side Effects can be serious and irreversible if not treated immediately.  Call physician right away.

Tests for Medicine Safety

• Many psychiatric medicines require children to have their blood drawn.
• Antipsychotic medicines require routine blood work because they can increase the risk of high blood sugar and cholesterol.
• When there is a family history of serious heart problems and a child might start taking Geodon, the doctor may order an EKG (electrocardiogram).

Reference:National Institute of Mental Health. (2010). Mental health medications. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-health-medications/NIMH-Mental-Health-Medications_45027.pdf

Disclaimer: All content in this blog is informational only. It should not be used to make changes in the medical treatment of your child. Alway consult your child's physician before adding or changing any medicines.