Since 2020, aggregated from related topics
Antipsychotic medications are a class of drugs primarily used to treat symptoms of psychosis, including delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. They are commonly prescribed for conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression with psychotic features. Antipsychotic medications work by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine, to help regulate abnormal brain activity and reduce symptoms of psychosis. There are two main types of antipsychotic medications: typical antipsychotics, which are older and typically have more side effects, and atypical antipsychotics, which are newer and often have fewer side effects. Antipsychotic medications can be taken orally, as an injection, or as a long-acting injection for extended release. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider when taking antipsychotic medications, as they can have significant side effects and interactions with other medications.