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What medications are currently used to treat schizophrenia?

Antipsychotic medications are the main treatment for schizophrenia. They work by balancing brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which helps reduce symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.

There are two main types:

- First-generation antipsychotics – Show Full Answer

What medications are currently used to treat schizophrenia?

Antipsychotic medications are the main treatment for schizophrenia. They work by balancing brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which helps reduce symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.

There are two main types:

- First-generation antipsychotics – older medications that mainly target dopamine
- Second-generation antipsychotics – newer medications that target both dopamine and serotonin; these are usually tried first If two or more antipsychotics haven't worked well enough, a medication called clozapine may be recommended. It's specifically used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, and studies show it helps 60–70% of people in that situation.

Some antipsychotics come as daily pills, while others are available as longer-lasting injections — which can be helpful if remembering a daily pill is a challenge. It's worth knowing that finding the right medication can take time, and side effects are common. Some side effects, like drowsiness or dizziness, may ease after a few weeks. Always talk openly with a healthcare provider about any side effects — there are options to adjust or switch medications to better suit individual needs.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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