Atypical antipsychotic drugs, otherwise referred to use atypical neuroleptics, are used to treat psychosis and extreme mania.
Most of these drugs share common side effects including:
Difficulty metabolizing sugar and diabetes.
Tremors and stiffness
Tardive dyskinesia if taken for too long, which is defined as uncontrolled movements of the mouth.
Weight gain
Feelings of extreme restlessness
Changes in heartbeat
Increases in prolactin, which can cause breast enlargement in men and menstrual problems and women.
Here five of the most common atypical antipsychotic drugs, including the pros and cons of taking each one.
Abilify
Abilify, with the generic name of aripiprazole, works as an antimanic, with the most common side effects of insomnia or severe restlessness.
Seroquel
With a generic name of quetiapene, seroquel is an anti-manic drug with the side effects of extreme tiredness, changes in heart pattern, and an increased risk of cataracts.
Risperdal
Risperdal is an anti manic and antipsychotic drug that can reduce cycling, with the most common side effects of weight gain, and increased proactive levels.
Geodon
Geodon is more commonly known as ziprasidone and is an anti-manic and antipsychotic drug with the side effects of heart rhythm changes and sedation.
Zyprexa
Zyprexa, with a generic name of olanzapine, is an anti manic which can reduce cycling, with a major side effect of weight gain.
Keep in mind that your psychiatrist may or may not prescribe to you one of these drugs, depending on how severe your manic episodes are.