Mental health medications
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotic medications are used to treat psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and sometimes depression. Learn how they work, side effects, monitoring and questions to ask.
At a glance
- Medication class
- Antipsychotics (first-generation and second-generation)
- Examples (generic name, brand name)
- aripiprazole (Abilify)
- quetiapine (Seroquel)
- risperidone (Risperdal)
- olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- lurasidone (Latuda)
- haloperidol
Examples are for education only and are not a complete list or a recommendation.
Boxed warning: Antipsychotics carry an FDA boxed warning about increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Those approved for depression also carry the antidepressant boxed warning about suicidal thoughts in young people.
What are antipsychotics?
Antipsychotics are prescription medications originally developed to treat psychosis — symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Today they are used for a broader range of conditions.
What they’re used for
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
- Bipolar disorder — for mania, depression (some medications) and maintenance
- As an add-on treatment for depression (some medications)
- Other uses a specialist may consider
How they work
Most antipsychotics block or modulate dopamine receptors; many second-generation medications also affect serotonin receptors.
How they’re taken
Usually by mouth daily. Some are available as long-acting injections given every few weeks or months. This page does not provide dosing guidance.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness
- Weight gain and increased appetite
- Changes in blood sugar and cholesterol
- Restlessness (akathisia) or stiffness
- Dizziness when standing
- Increased prolactin levels with some medications
Serious side effects
Seek urgent care for high fever with muscle rigidity and confusion (possible neuroleptic malignant syndrome), fainting, or fast or irregular heartbeat. Report any involuntary movements of the face, tongue or body (tardive dyskinesia) to your prescriber.
Warnings
- Regular monitoring of weight, blood sugar, cholesterol and sometimes heart rhythm is recommended.
- Increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.
- Don’t stop suddenly without medical advice.
Interactions
Antipsychotics can interact with other sedating medications, alcohol, some antidepressants, and medications that affect heart rhythm. Check with a pharmacist.
Questions to ask your healthcare professional
- Why are you recommending this medication for me?
- What monitoring will I need?
- Which side effects are most likely, and what can we do about them?
- How long might I need to take it?
Related medication classes
Find care
Find the right support
Compare types of care — from online therapy to psychiatry — and learn what to consider before choosing a provider.
Explore care optionsWhen to seek professional help
Consider talking with a doctor or licensed mental health professional if symptomslast for more than two weeks, keep coming back, or make it harder to manage work, school, relationships or daily tasks. You don’t need to wait until things feel severe — getting support early often makes things easier.
If you’re thinking about harming yourself or are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number. In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).Crisis resources in other countries.
Explore care optionsFrequently asked questions
If I’m prescribed an antipsychotic, does that mean I have psychosis?
References
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About this article
Written by
ExploreMentalHealth Editorial Team
Our editors research and write every article using government health agencies, professional medical organizations and peer-reviewed research, following our published editorial standards.
- First published
- September 12, 2026
- Last updated
- September 22, 2026
- Last medically reviewed
- Review pending