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

When someone experiences antipsychotics, a class of medications designed to reduce or eliminate symptoms of psychosis. Also known as neuroleptics, these drugs are among the most commonly prescribed treatments for conditions like schizophrenia, a chronic mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves and bipolar disorder, a condition marked by extreme mood swings between mania and depression. They don’t cure these illnesses, but they help people regain control over their thoughts, emotions, and daily life.

Antipsychotics work by adjusting brain chemicals—mainly dopamine—that get out of balance during episodes of psychosis. This can mean hearing voices, seeing things that aren’t there, or holding false beliefs that feel real. First-generation antipsychotics, like haloperidol, are older and more likely to cause movement side effects. Second-generation ones, like risperidone or olanzapine, are more commonly used today because they’re gentler on movement but can affect weight and blood sugar. Not everyone responds the same way. Finding the right one often takes time, patience, and close monitoring with a doctor. Some people need them short-term during a crisis; others take them for years to stay stable.

These medications aren’t just for schizophrenia. Doctors also prescribe them for severe anxiety, certain types of depression, and even dementia-related agitation—though that’s done carefully due to risks in older adults. They’re not sedatives, though some people feel drowsy at first. They’re not addictive like benzodiazepines, but stopping them suddenly can cause withdrawal or a return of symptoms. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a professional, never self-adjust, and track how you feel over time. If you’re on one, you’re not alone. Millions use antipsychotics to live full, meaningful lives.

Below, you’ll find real-world comparisons and insights from people who’ve navigated these medications. From side effect management to switching between drugs, these posts give you the practical details you won’t find in brochures. Whether you’re just starting out, struggling with a current prescription, or helping someone else, this collection is built to help you make sense of it all.