Antipsychotics: What They Are, How They Work, and What You Need to Know

When someone experiences psychosis—like hearing voices, seeing things that aren’t there, or having deeply false beliefs—they often need help from antipsychotics, a class of medications designed to reduce or eliminate symptoms of psychosis by balancing brain chemicals. Also known as neuroleptics, these drugs don’t cure mental illness, but they can make daily life possible again. Many people assume antipsychotics are just for severe cases, but they’re also used for bipolar disorder, severe depression with psychotic features, and sometimes even for managing agitation in dementia.

There are two main types: first-generation antipsychotics, older drugs like haloperidol and chlorpromazine that target dopamine strongly, and second-generation antipsychotics, newer options like risperidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine that affect both dopamine and serotonin. The second-gen ones are more common today because they tend to cause fewer movement-related side effects, though they can lead to weight gain or metabolic changes. It’s not about which one is "better"—it’s about which one works for your body without making life harder.

People often worry about side effects, and rightly so. Some feel sluggish, gain weight, or have trouble moving. Others get dry mouth, dizziness, or trouble sleeping. But skipping treatment because of fear can be riskier. Untreated psychosis can lead to hospitalization, job loss, or strained relationships. The goal isn’t to feel numb—it’s to feel like yourself again, without the noise or fear clouding your thoughts.

What you won’t find in most doctor’s offices is the full picture: how these drugs interact with other meds, what to do if they stop working, or how lifestyle changes can help them work better. That’s where this collection comes in. Below, you’ll find real, practical guides on managing side effects, understanding why some people don’t respond, and what alternatives exist when standard treatments fall short. You’ll see how antipsychotics relate to other conditions—like how some are used off-label for anxiety or insomnia—and how they fit into broader mental health care. This isn’t theory. It’s what people actually deal with—and what works for them.