Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics are used to treat a variety of disorders. They are commonly used in the management of psychiatric symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, among other uses, they also have shown efficacy in treating symptoms of autism, nausea/vomiting, and hiccups. In the case of psychiatric uses, long-term maintenance treatment is typically needed to avoid relapse of symptoms. Antipsychotic choice based on the efficacy is difficult; therefore, in many cases side-effect profile of an agent becomes relevant when deciding on a treatment regimen. Side effects of antipsychotics include extrapyramidal symptoms, metabolic adverse effects, hematologic changes, anticholinergic effects, and QTc prolongation. As clinicians, it is important to be aware of these side effects and their monitoring parameters. These can be managed by discontinuing a drug, decreasing dosage, changing the drug to a different antipsychotic, and using another drug for their treatment.   This review contains 5 tables and 97 references Key Words: antipsychotics, atypical antipsychotics, clozapine, D2 receptor, extrapyramidal symptoms, FDA-approved, REMS, typical antipsychotics