INTRODUCTION — Antipsychotic medications were introduced more than 50 years ago. Although initially targeted to the treatment of schizophrenia, these medications are effective against psychosis irrespective of cause. They are also of benefit for manic episodes, agitation, delirium, impulse control, dissociation, and as augmentation therapy in other psychiatric disorders.
This topic reviews drug selection, treatment protocols, side effects and management of antipsychotic medications. The pharmacological characteristics of these medications in adults is discussed separately, as are identification and treatment of overdose with atypical antipsychotic agents, the target symptoms, the treatment of psychosis in special populations, and the non-pharmacologic treatment of psychosis.
