8
TREATMENT
Managing Side Effects
• Patients may experience side effects while taking certain
medications for schizophrenia. This is normal but should be
shared with the treating clinician.
• Early in the course of treatment, common side effects include
weight gain, being tired or drowsy, changes in blood pressure,
restlessness, dry mouth, constipation, and difficulty with
urination.
• Individuals taking an antipsychotic medication may also notice
one or more of the following symptoms. It is important to talk to
the clinician as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur:
» Dystonia: uncontrollable contractions of muscles
» Parkinson-like symptoms: tremor and slowed movement
» Akathisia: a feeling of restlessness
» Tardive dyskinesia: uncontrollable movements that commonly
occur in the face, neck, or tongue
» Sexual effects: changes in sexual desire or sexual functioning.
• Antipsychotic medications can also have metabolic side effects
such as weight gain and diabetes.
• If any of these side effects are severe or disabling, the treating
clinician may:
» Lower the dosage of the current medication
» Switch to a different medication
» Provide additional medications to help reduce or eliminate the
side effects.
