Antipsychotic Medications at College

Antipsychotic Medications

Antipsychotic medications have been around since the mid-1950s. They are antagonists of the neurotransmitter dopamine and have effects on other neurotransmitters as well. The first antipsychotic was Thorazine (Chlorpromazine), which was originally developed as a surgical anesthetic, but a newer class, now called "atypical" antipsychotics, has recently been developed.

The term antipsychotic is an unfortunate misnomer because it implies that these medications are useful only for psychosis. But there is growing evidence that they can be very helpful as an adjunct for treatment-resistant depression as well as severe anxiety. They are effective in treating a variety of symptoms such as depression and lethargy that older medications were not very effective for.

There have been several new medications released in the past several years that include Risperdal (respiridone), Clozaril (clozapine), Seroquel (quetiapine), Zyprexa (olanzepine), Geodon (ziprasidone), and Abilify (aripiprazole).

Unlike the antidepressants, these medications have more complicated side effects and risks associated with them. For example, they can affect cognitive functioning and sleep, making their use even more challenging in a college setting, where students require maximum concentration. However, they do play an important role in treating more severe mental health problems.

Key Points About Antipsychotic Medications

• These are very potent medications with a variety of side effects that must be closely monitored, including effects on blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels; immune system effects; muscle spasms; and ­ tardive dyskinesia (potentially irreversible movement disorders).
• Despite the side effects, these medications can have powerful, positive effects on more serious mental health problems. They will probably play an increasing role in treatment-resistant depression.