List of Antipsychotics: A Complete Guide to Antipsychotic Medications
Living with schizophrenia, paranoia, or a similar mental health condition can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand the wide range of medications available. Antipsychotic medications are designed to reduce symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and severe anxiety—helping individuals regain stability and improve daily functioning.
Here, we provide a comprehensive list of antipsychotic medications, how they work, and what to consider when exploring treatment options. We’ll also explore how Experience Structured Living supports individuals with medication management and daily living assistance.
Understanding Antipsychotic Medications
Antipsychotics are prescription medications used to manage symptoms of serious mental health disorders, such as:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Major depressive disorder (when combined with antidepressants)
- Severe anxiety or paranoia
Antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia and mental health disorders help regulate brain chemicals—especially dopamine and serotonin—to stabilize mood, reduce psychosis, and improve cognitive function.
First-Generation (Typical) Antipsychotics
First-generation, or “typical,” antipsychotics were the earliest forms developed to treat psychotic disorders. This list of antipsychotics primarily targets dopamine receptors, and these medications are effective in reducing hallucinations and delusions. However, they may cause more movement-related side effects.
Common First-Generation Antipsychotics
- Haloperidol (Haldol) – Haldol is often used for acute psychosis or severe agitation.
- Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) – One of the earliest antipsychotics, chlorpromazine is effective but can cause drowsiness.
- Fluphenazine (Prolixin) – Fluphenazine is a long-acting injectable option for schizophrenia.
- Perphenazine (Trilafon) – Perphenazine is used for both schizophrenia and severe nausea.
- Thioridazine (Mellaril) – Now less common due to potential heart-related side effects, we still included thioridazine on our antipsychotic medications list.
Second-Generation (Atypical) Antipsychotics
Second-generation, or “atypical,” antipsychotics are newer and generally have fewer movement-related side effects. They affect both dopamine and serotonin pathways, which can help treat a broader range of symptoms, including mood disturbances and anxiety.
Common Second-Generation Antipsychotics
- Risperidone (Risperdal) – Risperidone helps manage schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and it’s available in oral and injectable forms.
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa) – Known for mood stabilization and reducing hallucinations, olanzapine is a common second-generation antipsychotic.
- Quetiapine (Seroquel) – Commonly used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, quetiapine is often prescribed.
- Aripiprazole (Abilify) – Aripiprazole helps balance dopamine levels, and it’s often used alongside antidepressants. This is a medication to consider if you experience schizophrenia and a dual diagnosis with another mental health disorder, like depression.
- Ziprasidone (Geodon) – Ziprasidone addresses symptoms with less risk of weight gain, and it’s especially helpful for schizophrenia and bipolar mania.
- Clozapine (Clozaril) – Clozapine is highly effective for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, though it requires regular blood monitoring.
- Lurasidone (Latuda) – Lurasidone is a well-tolerated option for bipolar depression and schizophrenia.
- Paliperidone (Invega) – Paliperidone is an extended-release version of risperidone with long-acting injections available.
Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics
For individuals who have difficulty maintaining a daily medication schedule, long-acting injectables (LAIs) can provide consistent symptom management for weeks or months at a time. These injections help prevent relapse by maintaining steady medication levels.
Common Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics
- Risperidone (Risperdal Consta) – Risperidone LAI provides ongoing symptom control for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, reducing the need for daily dosing.
- Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena) – Aripiprazole LAI helps stabilize mood and manage psychosis with monthly injections that promote treatment consistency.
- Paliperidone Palmitate (Invega Sustenna) – Paliperidone palmitate LAI offers extended-release symptom management for schizophrenia, often lasting up to a month or more between doses.
- Haloperidol (Haldol Decanoate) – Haloperidol LAI is a first-generation antipsychotic used for long-term management of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa Relprevv) – Olanzapine LAI helps reduce hallucinations and mood disturbances, offering sustained symptom relief through periodic injections.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations for Antipsychotic Medications
While this list of antipsychotic medications can greatly improve a person’s quality of life when they’re struggling with mental health concerns, it’s also important to consider potential side effects. Side effects vary depending on the medication and the individual. Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Weight gain or changes in appetite
- Muscle stiffness or tremors
- Dry mouth or constipation
- Metabolic changes (e.g., blood sugar, cholesterol)
Because of these potential effects, it’s important for patients to work closely with mental health professionals to find the right balance between effectiveness and tolerability.
How Experience Structured Living Can Help
Navigating mental health treatment and finding the right medication can be challenging, especially when side effects or life changes make consistency difficult. Experience Structured Living offers a safe, structured environment for individuals managing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Our team provides daily support with medication management, personal routines, and independent living skills. Residents receive individualized care in a compassionate setting designed to promote stability, confidence, and long-term recovery.
When to Seek Help
Navigating mental health treatment and finding the right medication can be challenging, especially when side effects or life changes make consistency difficult. Experience Structured Living offers a safe, structured environment for individuals managing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Our team provides daily support with medication management, personal routines, and independent living skills. Residents receive individualized care in a compassionate setting designed to promote stability, confidence, and long-term recovery.
Take the First Step Toward Stability and Support
If you or someone you love is struggling to manage symptoms of schizophrenia, depression, or another mental health condition, help is available. Experience Structured Living provides the structure, care, and guidance needed to build a stable and fulfilling life.
Don’t wait to start the journey toward recovery and independence. Reach out to Experience Structured Living today to learn more about our housing options, medication management, and supportive community. A better quality of life can begin with one simple step: contacting our team for guidance and placement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Antipsychotic Medications
Can antipsychotics completely cure schizophrenia or other mental illnesses?
While antipsychotic medications aren’t a cure, they can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Many people who take them experience fewer hallucinations, delusions, and mood swings, allowing them to function more independently with ongoing support.
How long does it take for antipsychotic medication to work?
Some improvement may be noticed within one to two weeks, but full effects often take four to six weeks or longer to appear. It’s important to continue taking medication as prescribed and stay in close contact with a doctor during this adjustment period.
What happens if someone stops taking antipsychotic medication suddenly?
Stopping medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a rapid return of psychotic or mood-related symptoms. Anyone considering changes to their medication should always consult a psychiatrist or prescribing clinician first.
Can antipsychotics be used along with other medications?
Yes, many individuals take antipsychotics alongside antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or anti-anxiety medications. However, all prescriptions should be carefully monitored to avoid harmful interactions or side effects.
Do all antipsychotic medications cause weight gain?
Not all antipsychotics cause weight gain, but some—especially second-generation options—may increase appetite or change metabolism. Doctors can help identify medications with lower risk or provide strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
How do doctors choose which antipsychotic is best?
The choice depends on the individual’s diagnosis, medical history, side effect tolerance, and how they’ve responded to previous treatments. Often, finding the right medication takes some trial and adjustment under medical supervision.
Dr. Melden earned his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Philadelphia College Osteopathic Medicine and went to USC Presbyterian Hospital for his residency in Family Medicine. He then completed his Psychiatric residency at the University of California, Irvine and went to UCSD Geropsychiatry pursuing a fellowship. Dr. Melden has over 14 years of experience as a clinician specializing in treating child and adolescent, adult and geriatric clients. He has devoted his life to psychiatry in a variety of different treatment settings including in- patient and out-patient environments. He specializes in the psychiatric evaluation, complementary therapy approaches, and medical management of individuals suffering from mental illness. Currently, he maintains a private practice with Crownview Medical Group in Coronado and Carlsbad, California where he is CEO/President.
