Tag: Antipsychotics

Agitation is a common complication following a traumatic brain injury (TBI), estimated to occur in up to 70% of people with TBI [1.8.2]. When exploring what drugs are used for TBI agitation, clinicians often turn to several classes of medications after non-pharmacological methods have been attempted.

According to extensive research, nearly all first- and second-generation antipsychotic drugs have been implicated in increasing the risk of epileptic seizures by lowering the seizure threshold. This means for certain individuals, the question of "do antipsychotics increase seizure risk?" is a critical clinical consideration, with the actual risk varying significantly between different medications and patient-specific factors.

Reports indicate that drug exposure is a common cause of central nervous system toxicity, with some studies showing drug-induced status epilepticus in up to 10% of cases [1.11.1, 1.11.4]. Understanding which medications can lower seizure threshold is vital for patient safety, especially for those with pre-existing risk factors.

Adverse cutaneous reactions, which can manifest as itchy skin (pruritus), occur in a notable percentage of individuals taking antipsychotic medications, though estimates vary. The question, "Can antipsychotics cause itchy skin?" has a clear answer: yes, they can, with reactions ranging from minor discomfort to serious, and potentially life-threatening, allergic responses.

Unlike many other atypical antipsychotics that are known for strong antihistaminic effects, studies have found that Abilify (aripiprazole) does not significantly increase histamine efflux in the brain. This key difference in its pharmacological profile often leads to the question, **Does Abilify raise histamine?**

According to the official FDA prescribing information, Rexulti (brexpiprazole) should be used with caution in patients with a history of seizures or with other conditions that lower the seizure threshold. This confirms that, as with many other antipsychotic medications, **Rexulti** carries a risk of increasing a patient's susceptibility to seizures.

While initial clinical trials showed a low seizure incidence of 0.22% with Invega, manufacturers and medical sources explicitly state that it can lower the seizure threshold. This makes answering the question, **Does Invega lower seizure threshold?** a critical part of understanding the medication's safety profile.

Clozapine-induced agranulocytosis, a severe drop in white blood cells, occurs in about 0.8% to 1.2% of patients [1.3.2, 1.5.6]. This risk necessitates a strict monitoring schedule. So, **how often should I check my CBC with clozapine?** The frequency changes over the course of treatment.

Clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but its complex pharmacology means it has many potentially serious drug interactions. This makes understanding **what drugs cannot be taken with clozapine** crucial for patient safety. This article will outline the major categories of drugs and substances that interact dangerously with clozapine, from CYP450 inhibitors to CNS depressants.

Over 70% of cases of acquired agranulocytosis are linked to medications, making vigilance for severe side effects paramount, especially with powerful antipsychotics like clozapine. Understanding which of the following agents is contraindicated in patients taking clozapine is critical for ensuring patient safety and preventing potentially life-threatening drug interactions.