Therefore, it is extremely important that persons with the illness and family members have a solid understanding of the illness and its treatments, which medications have worked best in the past and any negative side effects produced by certain medications. Some individuals may respond better to one particular antipsychotic than another. Sometimes some of these side effects can be so uncomfortable that persons decide to stop taking medication. However, too often the result of stopping the medication is relapse and re-admission to a hospital. Additionally, some medications have severe withdrawal symptoms.
Tardive dyskinesia is a set of abnormal, involuntary movements of the face or extremities.
Pseudo Parkinsonism is muscle rigidity and stiffness caused by antipsychotic drugs. Dystonias are acute muscle spasms that may affect the eyes, neck, tongue, throat, or other muscles. They generally occur within the first five days of treatment and almost never after three months unless the drug dosages are increased. Dystonic symptoms can be quickly reversed by Cogentin or Benadryl injections followed by antiparkinsonian medication taken orally to prevent reoccurrence. Some medications cannot be used during pregnancy or breast feeding.