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Medication for the treatment of psychosis
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Antipsychotics are medicine to reduce the effects of the symptoms of psychosis comes in tablets, capsules, syrup or injections (also known as 'depot injection').
Antipsychotics are sometimes used to treat other conditions.
Your doctor should discuss all medication with you so that you can find out about its side-effects and what your options are.
Medication may take a few weeks (or sometimes longer) to take effect. It can help reduce some of the symptoms and is the first step to be taken towards recovery.
Anti-psychotics come under two types:
- 'typical' or 'first generation' antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, halop
- 'atypical' or 'second generation' antipsychotics
Do not stop taking your medication without talking it through with your GP or psychiatrist. Stopping your medication may cause a relapse.
If the side-effects of your medication are too much to bear do discuss all your symptoms with your medical team and ask them for what else is available, or whether dosage can be changed.
For detailed information on medication see Rethink's guide 'Only the best'.
Support in Mind Scotland is the operating name of the National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland), a company limited by guarantee registered in Scotland SC088179. Registered Office: 1 Rutland Court, Edinburgh EH3 8EY. Charity Number SC 013649.