Antipsychotics: What They Are, How They Work, and What You Need to Know

When someone is struggling with psychosis—hearing voices, having delusions, or losing touch with reality—antipsychotics, a class of medications used to treat severe mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Also known as neuroleptics, they don't cure these conditions, but they help people think more clearly, feel calmer, and live more independently. These drugs work by adjusting brain chemicals, especially dopamine, which is often too active in people with psychosis. But they’re not one-size-fits-all. Some work better for certain symptoms, others have different side effects, and a few require strict monitoring to stay safe.

One of the most powerful antipsychotics is clozapine, a medication used when other treatments fail, often for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. It’s effective, but it carries a risk of lowering white blood cell counts, which can leave the body vulnerable to infections. That’s why, until early 2025, patients had to go through a federal monitoring program called REMS. Now, that requirement is gone—but doctors still check blood counts regularly. Another serious concern with some antipsychotics is QT prolongation, a heart rhythm issue that can lead to a life-threatening arrhythmia called torsades de pointes. Drugs like ziprasidone or haloperidol can cause this, especially if combined with other medications or in people with existing heart conditions. It’s not common, but it’s serious enough that doctors check EKGs before and during treatment.

Antipsychotics are often part of a longer-term plan. Some people take them for months, others for years. Side effects like weight gain, drowsiness, or movement problems can be frustrating, but they don’t mean you should stop without talking to your doctor. There are alternatives, adjustments, and ways to manage these effects. What you’ll find here are real, practical articles about how these drugs are used, how safety rules have changed, what to watch for, and how to make smarter choices with your treatment. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or just trying to understand what’s happening, this collection gives you the facts—not the marketing.