Tag: Second generation antipsychotics

Approximately 1.6% of adults in the U.S. report taking antipsychotic medications, which are crucial for managing various psychiatric disorders [1.5.1]. So, what are four atypical antipsychotic drugs that are commonly used in treatment today? This article explores risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, and aripiprazole.

Over half of all individuals with severe mental illness on medication may experience metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes weight gain. A primary contributing factor is antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG), a well-established and concerning side effect. This article explores which antipsychotics have the highest risk of weight gain and the physiological reasons behind this adverse effect, offering strategies for management.

The prevalence of tardive dyskinesia (TD), a potentially permanent movement disorder, is estimated to be around 25.3% among patients treated with antipsychotics [1.4.3]. Answering 'What are the permanent side effects of antipsychotics?' is vital for patient safety and informed treatment decisions.

As an atypical antipsychotic, risperidone is part of a broader class of medications used to treat conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Understanding what drugs are related to risperidone involves exploring its immediate metabolite, other similar antipsychotics, and medications with different mechanisms of action. These related drugs offer a range of treatment options for patients whose symptoms or side effects may require an alternative approach.

The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia, first proposed in the 1960s, suggests that certain symptoms are linked to disturbed dopamine signaling in the brain. For individuals with this condition, understanding what dopamine drugs are used for schizophrenia is crucial, as medication is a cornerstone of managing psychotic symptoms.

Studies show that a high cumulative lifetime dose of antipsychotics is associated with poorer cognitive performance [1.7.4]. The critical question for many patients and clinicians is, do antipsychotics affect memory, and what does the evidence say about this complex interaction?

Studies show that exposure to any antipsychotic (AP) medication can confer an increased risk for dementia [1.2.3]. The question, **do antipsychotics reduce cognitive function**, is complex, with effects varying by drug type, dosage, and the patient's underlying condition. This article examines the nuanced mechanisms and outcomes.

Antipsychotics are the primary treatment for schizophrenia, yet up to 60% of patients still experience significant negative symptoms. The question of whether **antipsychotics worsen negative symptoms** is complex, as distinguishing medication side effects from the core illness is challenging. This article investigates the relationship between antipsychotic use and negative symptoms, exploring the differences between medication classes and new research directions.

According to prescription data from early 2025, quetiapine fumarate is the most frequently prescribed antipsychotic medication in the U.S., often used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, there is no single best or most common drug used for schizophrenia for every patient, as treatment is highly individualized and depends on a person's unique symptoms and response to medication.

According to one report, the annualized risk of developing tardive dyskinesia (TD) with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) is approximately 2.6%, significantly lower than the 6.5% risk associated with first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs). This makes understanding what drugs are least likely to cause tardive dyskinesia a critical part of treatment planning for many psychiatric conditions.