What Drugs Stop Voices?: An In-Depth Look at Medications for Auditory Hallucinations

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, up to 80% of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia experience auditory hallucinations. Understanding what drugs stop voices is vital for those experiencing this distressing symptom, as medications can significantly reduce their frequency and severity. However, the right treatment depends on a proper medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause.

Quick Summary

Antipsychotic medications are the primary pharmacological treatment for auditory hallucinations, working by altering brain chemistry, particularly dopamine levels. Various drug classes address voices stemming from different underlying conditions, including psychosis, mood disorders, and other medical issues.

Key Points

Antipsychotics are the primary treatment: These medications are the main class of drugs used to stop voices, especially when caused by conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Dopamine regulation is key: Antipsychotics work by balancing brain chemicals, primarily by blocking dopamine receptors, which are thought to be overactive during psychotic episodes.
Different classes of antipsychotics exist: First-generation (typical) and second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics differ in their mechanism and side-effect profiles.
Treatment is tailored to the cause: The underlying condition causing the auditory hallucinations, such as psychosis, depression, or a mood disorder, determines the appropriate medication.
Side effects require management: Both typical and atypical antipsychotics have potential side effects, including weight gain, movement disorders (tardive dyskinesia), and metabolic changes, which must be monitored by a doctor.
Comprehensive care includes therapy: Medication is most effective when combined with psychotherapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy, to develop coping strategies.
Finding the right drug takes time: It may take several weeks or months, and require trying different medications, to find the most effective treatment with the fewest side effects.

Hearing voices, medically known as auditory verbal hallucinations, is a sensory perception of sound in the absence of an external auditory stimulus. While a common symptom in conditions like schizophrenia, it can also manifest in other mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder or severe depression, and can even be linked to neurological conditions, substance misuse, or medication side effects. A proper diagnosis is the first and most critical step, and for many, medication is an essential part of the treatment plan.

The Role of Antipsychotic Medications

Antipsychotic drugs are the mainstay of pharmacological treatment for hallucinations related to psychosis. They work primarily by acting on the brain's neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells. A key neurotransmitter involved in psychotic experiences is dopamine, and most antipsychotics function by blocking dopamine receptors. By modulating dopamine activity, these drugs can reduce the intensity and frequency of hallucinations, helping individuals regain clarity and manage their symptoms. It is important to note that antipsychotics do not cure the underlying condition but rather manage its symptoms, and long-term use is often necessary to prevent relapse.

First-Generation (Typical) Antipsychotics

Developed in the 1950s, these older medications are known for their potent blockade of dopamine D2 receptors. Examples include haloperidol (Haldol) and chlorpromazine (Thorazine). While effective, they are associated with a higher risk of extrapyramidal side effects, which are movement-related.

List of Typical Antipsychotics:

Chlorpromazine
Fluphenazine
Haloperidol
Loxapine
Perphenazine

Second-Generation (Atypical) Antipsychotics

These newer drugs were developed to offer a more favorable side-effect profile by also blocking serotonin receptors. Atypical antipsychotics are generally considered the first-line treatment for psychotic conditions today. Some are associated with a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms but can carry a higher risk for metabolic side effects, such as weight gain and diabetes.

List of Atypical Antipsychotics:

Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Paliperidone (Invega)
Lurasidone (Latuda)

Other Medications and Treatment Approaches

The most effective medication depends on the specific cause of the auditory hallucinations. For cases not caused by a primary psychotic disorder, other medications may be used in conjunction with or instead of antipsychotics.

Antidepressants and Mood Stabilizers

For hallucinations that occur within the context of severe depression or bipolar disorder, antidepressants and mood stabilizers can be prescribed alongside or as a replacement for antipsychotics. These medications help regulate mood and, in doing so, can alleviate the psychotic symptoms that accompany these conditions.

Benzodiazepines

For short-term management of acute anxiety or agitation associated with distressing voices, a doctor might prescribe a benzodiazepine. However, these are not a long-term solution and are typically used with caution due to their potential for dependence.

Addressing Medication-Resistant Hallucinations

For patients whose symptoms do not respond to initial treatment, clozapine is often considered the most effective antipsychotic, particularly for treatment-resistant cases. Other options for difficult-to-treat auditory hallucinations include Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

Comparing Antipsychotic Generations


Feature	First-Generation (Typical) Antipsychotics	Second-Generation (Atypical) Antipsychotics
Mechanism of Action	Primarily block dopamine D2 receptors.	Block dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.
Common Examples	Haloperidol, Chlorpromazine, Fluphenazine.	Risperidone, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Clozapine.
Movement Side Effects	Higher risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., tremors, stiffness) and tardive dyskinesia.	Lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms, though still possible.
Metabolic Side Effects	Lower risk of weight gain and metabolic changes.	Higher risk of weight gain, high blood sugar, and increased cholesterol.
Cognitive Effects	Less improvement in cognitive function.	Potentially more beneficial for cognitive function.
Adherence Options	Available in oral form, with some available as depot injections.	Available in oral form, with many available as long-acting depot injections.

Managing Medication Side Effects

Antipsychotic medications, while effective, can have significant side effects that must be monitored by a healthcare provider. The aim is always to find the lowest effective dose to manage symptoms while minimizing side effects. Common side effects include:

Drowsiness or sedation
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Dry mouth and blurred vision
Weight gain and metabolic changes (increased risk of diabetes)
Movement-related issues like tremors or restlessness (akathisia)
Sexual dysfunction

It is essential to discuss all side effects with your doctor, who may adjust the dosage, change the medication, or prescribe additional medication to manage them.

The Importance of Comprehensive Treatment

For most people, medication is just one component of a successful recovery plan. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is a crucial complement to medication. CBT can help individuals develop strategies to cope with and manage their auditory hallucinations, address underlying trauma, and improve overall functioning. Supported employment and education, family support, and case management are also vital elements of a coordinated specialty care approach.

Conclusion

Medication can be a powerful tool for individuals experiencing auditory hallucinations, but the journey to finding the right treatment is highly individual. Antipsychotics, especially second-generation atypical drugs, are the primary pharmacological approach, but success often depends on a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. The choice of which drugs stop voices effectively is a collaborative process between a patient and their healthcare provider, guided by a thorough understanding of the underlying cause and a careful evaluation of the benefits versus side effects. For those seeking resources for management and support related to schizophrenia and psychosis, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offers extensive information.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary medications used to stop voices, or auditory hallucinations, are antipsychotics. They are prescribed when hallucinations are part of a psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Initial calming effects from antipsychotics may be felt within hours or days for acute psychosis, but it can take four to six weeks or even several months to reach their full effect on reducing hallucinations.

Yes, antipsychotics are divided into two main classes: first-generation (typical) and second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics. They have different mechanisms and side effect profiles, with atypical drugs being more commonly prescribed today.

Common side effects include weight gain, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and blurred vision. More severe side effects can include movement disorders and metabolic changes, such as high blood sugar.

Not necessarily. The need for medication depends on the underlying cause. Auditory hallucinations can be temporary or related to non-psychotic issues. Some individuals can manage through coping strategies and therapy alone.

Typical antipsychotics primarily block dopamine receptors and carry a higher risk of movement-related side effects. Atypical antipsychotics block both dopamine and serotonin receptors and generally have a lower risk of movement issues but a higher risk of metabolic side effects.

Yes. While commonly associated with psychotic disorders, auditory hallucinations can also be caused by conditions like severe depression, bipolar disorder, neurological disorders, substance abuse, and certain medical conditions.

For individuals who do not respond to two or more other antipsychotics, clozapine is often considered the most effective medication for treatment-resistant hallucinations, including voices.