Antipsychotic medications are often called major tranquilizers, but they do vary on the degree to which the client feels sedated. Antipsychotic medications are effective in controlling psychotic symptoms for the major of people with schizophrenia, however, they have a number of very serious side effects that can be both uncomfortable and even dangerous. Side effects need to be monitored and managed effectively. Many consumers will discontinue their medication in order to avoid the side effects, and this can result in exacerbation of their symptoms and often rehospitalization. This is abnormal involuntary movement, often of the mouth and tongue.
Tardive dyskinesia can become permanent.