Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder characterized by psychosis, hallucinations, delusions and disorganized speech and behavior patterns. It impacts how an individual thinks, feels and behaves, making it difficult for them to navigate daily life. Approximately 24 million individuals worldwide are affected by schizophrenia. Treatment relies on a combination of therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy, family interventions and psychosocial rehabilitation. Medicine for schizophrenia also helps individuals manage symptoms and improves the overall quality of life. The article outlines some common medications used in schizophrenia treatment and how they contribute to therapy.
Overview of Common Medicines for Schizophrenia
Several types of schizophrenia exist, and they’re categorized by symptoms. They include schizotypal personality disorder, delusional disorder and schizoaffective disorder. Health care providers prescribe medications for schizophrenia depending on an individual’s symptoms.
The primary class of medications used to treat schizophrenia is antipsychotics. They help reduce the negative symptoms of the disease, so individuals can lead more productive lives. There are two categories of antipsychotic drugs: typical (first-generation) and atypical (second-generation).
- Typical Antipsychotics
Typical antipsychotics were introduced in the 1950s to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions. While they’re extremely effective, they also cause many side effects, such as tremors, rigidity and sedation. Common examples of typical antipsychotics include chlorpromazine and haloperidol. - Atypical Antipsychotics
Developed in the 1990s, atypical antipsychotics provide help for several symptoms of schizophrenia, including agitation, mania, social withdrawal and lack of motivation. Common atypical antipsychotics include risperidone, clozapine and aripiprazole.
How Antipsychotics Work in the Brain
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells. They impact mood and movement and regulate all the nerves throughout the body to help everything function correctly, including the brain, heart, digestive system and muscles. Antipsychotic medications act on the neurotransmitters in the brain by adjusting their balance.
- Dopamine Regulation
Antipsychotics regulate dopamine by blocking D2 receptors in the brain. Motivation and reward, movement, mood, learning, memory and sleep cycles rely on dopamine. However, some dopamine pathways are associated with schizophrenic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. Antipsychotic medications reduce the overactivity of dopamine by keeping it at therapeutic levels to block those symptoms. - Serotonin Regulation
Schizophrenia has also been linked to the overactivity of serotonin in the brain. This neurotransmitter helps regulate many bodily functions, such as mood, appetite and digestion. Overactive levels of serotonin can cause social withdrawal and a lack of emotion. Atypical antipsychotics act on serotonin and dopamine to cover a larger range of symptoms.
Benefits of Medication Adherence
Currently, schizophrenia has no cure. However, the condition is highly treatable with consistent medicines for schizophrenia. The individual must stay committed to their treatment plan and schedule regular visits with their health care provider. With stable treatment, many patients can lead healthy and normal lives. This type of commitment provides multiple benefits, including:
- Symptom control. The regular use of antipsychotic medications prevents severe episodes from occurring and helps individuals maintain a stable daily routine.
- Reduced hospitalizations. Adhering to the doctor’s orders for treatment prevents the chances of relapse, which often leads to hospitalization.
- Improved functioning. By taking medications as directed, individuals can improve their daily functioning and stay engaged in work, school and social activities.
Managing Side Effects and Finding the Right Fit
Unfortunately, using antipsychotic drugs for schizophrenia can cause a wide range of side effects that might deter an individual from sticking to their treatment plan. Finding the most effective medication to address the patient’s needs and taking steps to reduce side effects can make a difference.
Common Side Effects
Side effects may vary depending on which medication the health care provider prescribes. Some of the most common side effects of antipsychotic medications include:
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Weight gain
- Dizziness
- Involuntary movements, such as tremors and stiffness
- Sleepiness
- Fluid retention
- Headaches
Individualized Treatment Plans
Finding the right treatment plan for schizophrenia requires a period of trial and error. The doctor may have to adjust dosages, change medications and even add supplementary treatments to help the patient manage their symptoms. To hone in on the best medications, health care providers may use genetic testing to determine how the individual will respond to treatment.
Communication
Communication between the individual and their health care provider is one of the most important ways to ensure the patient’s concerns are heard and addressed. Finding the correct medication requires patience, persistence and trust.
Combining Medication With Therapy for Best Outcomes
Medicine for schizophrenia is one of the most effective ways to manage symptoms of schizophrenia. However, it’s not the only option for treatment. Medications are often combined with other therapies to improve effectiveness. Other options include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Sometimes referred to as talk therapy, CBT helps individuals manage symptoms by addressing negative thoughts, emotions and behaviors related to schizophrenia. During talk therapy, a health care provider can also help an individual develop positive coping mechanisms, manage their fears and reduce social anxiety. - Psychotherapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy, but other types of psychotherapy can benefit those with schizophrenia. Cognitive enhancement therapy is a curriculum-based therapy that uses activities to improve attention, memory and mood. - Family Therapy
Schizophrenia doesn’t just affect the person with the illness. It also impacts families and loved ones. Family therapy teaches individuals how to address issues and cope when living with someone with schizophrenia. It also teaches loved ones how to support the individual with a mental illness. - Social Skills Training
Social skills training helps teach those with schizophrenia how to interact positively with others and function at school or work. It focuses on teaching communication skills and developing relationships with others. - Cognitive Remediation
Cognitive remediation helps improve an individual’s cognitive abilities, such as memory, planning and attention. Treatment also teaches the individual how to react in different circumstances. - Assertive Community Treatment
Assertive community treatment is a team-based approach to treatment. It’s ideal for individuals who are at risk of hospitalization. A team of specialists offers home-based treatment and support to help an individual integrate into society. - Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care
As with any illness, healthy eating, exercise and stress reduction techniques can enhance treatment.
Exploring Help Options
If you or someone you love struggles with schizophrenia and is looking for a diagnosis or treatment, it’s important to reach out for help. Contact our caring representatives at Restore Mental Health to learn more about the medications for schizophrenia and your available options for treatment. We can help you get started today.
