Gary J. Kennedy, M.D., Montefiore Medical Center
Question: What are the side effects of antipsychotics, and do they require special observation or testing?
Answer: For most people with bipolar disorder, who treat it with an antipsychotic, they'll have no problem with side effects as a result of those medications. However sometimes the antipsychotics can increase blood sugar. And it's important when these medication is started that the person's blood sugar be monitored with simple blood test to make sure there's not a problem.
Other of the antipsychotics can cause excess sedation -- make the person too sleepy -- or can cause stiffness. In each instance, both of these side effects should be completely reversible once the antipsychotic is stopped. If a person does experience a bad side effect from the antipsychotic, there are other alternative antipsychotics that the patient and the physician can employ.
Next: What Are The Differences Between Traditional Antipsychotics And The Newer Atypical Antipsychotics?
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