How to Start an Atypical Antipsychotic

Many people, including myself, have a lot of experience with antipsychotics and their side effects. These drugs have a tendency to be every hard to adjust to and it is sometimes hard to justify staying on them. However, it is advisable to continue the drug therapy that the doctor has ordered for you even if the side effects at first are unbearable. These steps will help you survive the transition.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A bed
• Time
• Patience

1. First and foremost, begin your therapy on a weekend or when you have at least two days to dedicate to the adjustment period. This might not be possible in all cases, especially during emergencies, but if you can do this, it is highly advisable.

2. Read you doctor's instructions carefully, If they say do a slow titration, please do yourself a favor and do a slow titration. Pumping too much of an antipsychotic into your system too quickly will knock you out cold.

3. Find a place to relax. It is likely that the antipsychotic will make you sleepy, so find a place where you can doze off for a while. It is best if you take out time to take a nap right after taking the antipsychotic.

4. Please do not take a new antipsychotic and then use machinery, and this includes driving. You will get tired, so make sure you will be doing no driving or using machinery in the near future.

5. You might notice a quick reduction in psychotic symptoms with the introduction of the antipsychotic, Take some time out to adjust to the new "feeling".

6. These are the things you should do and/or prepare for before you ingest your first antipsychotic pill. I wish someone would have told me this!

Tips & Warnings

• Although adjusting to an antipsychotic can be hard, generally it is worth the couple days of misery. You WILL get used to the drug in your system and the side-effects, especially the tiredness will eventually subside.