Tips from ODSW February 2016: Caregiver's Guide to Psychosis | Page 12

How do doctors decide the dosage
of the antipsychotic medication?
The dosage needed varies from
person to person, depending on
factors such as physical differences
(E.g. sex, weight, and metabolism
rate), physical health, severity
of symptoms and history of
antipsychotic medication treatment.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
1. Drowsiness
2. Weight gain
3. Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness,
difficulty in passing urine
4. Tremors, rigidity and slowness of movement
5. Restlessness and urge to walk
6. Absence of menses or discharge from breast
7. Sexual problems
8. Involuntary movements affecting mouth, lips and tongue
9. Muscle cramps
Side effects differ with the intake of different antipsychotic
medications and the young person may not develop all or
any of the side effects mentioned above. The side effects
listed are a hindrance to one’s daily routine but they are
not serious, nor are they permanent.
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