What medications are used to treat schizophrenia?
Antipsychotic medications are the main treatment for schizophrenia. They work by balancing chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters, like dopamine and serotonin, which play a role in your mood, behaviors, and how you respond to the world around you.
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What medications are used to treat schizophrenia?
Antipsychotic medications are the main treatment for schizophrenia. They work by balancing chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters, like dopamine and serotonin, which play a role in your mood, behaviors, and how you respond to the world around you.
These medications can help reduce symptoms of psychosis, including:
* Hallucinations
* Delusions
* Disorganized thinking
There are two main types of antipsychotics:
Second-generation antipsychotics are usually tried first. They're newer medications that many people tolerate well.
First-generation antipsychotics may be considered if second-generation options aren't controlling symptoms effectively or if side effects become too uncomfortable.
If standard antipsychotics aren't working well, your doctor may recommend clozapine, which is an atypical antipsychotic that can be helpful for treatment-resistant symptoms.
Your healthcare team will help find the right medication for you based on your specific symptoms, other medical conditions, and how you might handle potential side effects. Many people begin to see improvement in their symptoms within a few days to weeks of starting medication.
November 17
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