For instance, the sedative effect of some antipsychotic medications is useful for patients who have trouble sleeping or who become agitated during the day. Unlikesome prescription drugs, which must be taken several times during the day, antipsychotic medications can usually be taken just once a day. Thus, patients can reduce daytime side effects by taking the medications once, before bed. Some antipsychotic medications are available in forms that can be injected once or twice a month, thus assuring that the medicine is being taken reliably. Most side effects of antipsychotic medications are mild.
Many common ones disappear after the first few weeks of treatment.
These include drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness when changing position. Some people gain weight while taking antipsychotic medications and may have to change their diet to control their weight. Other side effects that may be caused by some antipsychotic medications include decrease in sexual ability or interest, problems with menstrual periods, sunburn, or skin rashes. If a side effect is especially troublesome, it should be discussed with the doctor who may prescribe a different medication, change the dosage level or schedule, or prescribe an additional medication to control the side effects. Movement difficulties may occur with the use of antipsychotic medications, although most of them can be controlled with an anticholinergic medication.