Medicines and products for schizophrenia

Antipsychotic medicines are the main treatment for schizophrenia. They reduce hallucinations, delusions and disorganised thinking and lower the risk of relapse. They work best when combined with therapy, family support and rehabilitation. A psychiatrist chooses and adjusts the medicine, and it should never be stopped suddenly.

Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics

• Risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole, paliperidone, amisulpride and others.
• Often used first because they cause less stiffness and tremor, but some can cause weight gain, high sugar and high cholesterol.

First-generation antipsychotics

• Haloperidol, chlorpromazine, trifluoperazine and similar. Effective but more likely to cause stiffness, tremor, restlessness and involuntary movements.

Clozapine Used when other medicines have not worked. It is highly effective but needs regular blood tests, because it can lower white blood cells, and monitoring for other side effects.

Long-acting injections Given every few weeks, these help people who find it hard to take tablets daily and lower relapse.

Other medicines Doctors may add medicines for anxiety, depression, sleep or side effects such as stiffness.

Side effects and monitoring Drowsiness, weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, restlessness and sexual side effects are common. Regular checks of weight, blood sugar, cholesterol and heart rhythm are advised. Report any side effect to the doctor instead of stopping the medicine.