In the final episode of our second psychopharmacology series, we will discuss how to manage antipsychotic side effects. Side effects are quite common for patients taking antipsychotics unfortunately. Knowing how to manage common antipsychotic side effects is incredibly valuable for your patients as it can improve tolerability and treatment compliance. We’ll provide a broad overview for how to conceptualize the treatment of side effects based on which receptors are targeted by the drug. We’ll discuss general principles for managing side effects and then review how to manage specific side effects including extrapyramidal symptoms, hyperprolactinemia, metabolic syndrome, orthostatic hypotension, and more!

Photo Credit: Hernan Pinera, “Move,” Flickr

Episode Music Credits: Javier Suárez, Tumbling Dishes, Better With Music