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Overview
Atypical antipsychotic medications are medications prescribed to control and reduce symptoms associated with psychotic conditions including schizophrenia, psychotic depression, bipolar disorder, and senile, organic, or drug-induced psychoses. These drugs may also be known as neuroleptics or major tranquilizers, and generally have a short term sedative effect, as well as a long term effect of reducing psychotic symptoms. Atypical antipsychotics are generally most effective for the treatment of psychotic conditions when taken in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Many symptoms associated with psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia are caused by extra production of dopamine, a brain chemical that is related to anticipation, desire, and pleasure. Atypical antipsychotics work by blocking serotonin, a chemical that is also related to feelings of pleasure and happiness. These medications help to regulate and stabilize patients’ moods and reduce psychotic mood swings and symptoms.
Common atypical antipsychotic medications include Abilify, Clozaril, Geodon, Risperdal, Seroquel, and Zyprexa. These drugs are FDA approved for various mental health disorders including bipolar I disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar depression, schizoaffective disorder, and major depressive disorder.
Side Effects
While typical antipsychotics have a high risk of severe side effects, atypical antipsychotics were developed to reduce the risk of experiencing unpleasant side effects. These drugs are less likely to cause symptoms including tremors, paranoia, and anxiety than the first generation of antipsychotics. However, these drugs are still associated with many side effects.
Side effects of atypical antipsychotics may include tremors, rigidity, seizures, heart palpitations, and unwanted muscle movements or spasms. Other symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, gastrointestinal distress, vertigo, sleeping difficulties, nightmares,amnesia or memory loss, and agitation. In some cases, antipsychotic medication can increase mania, anxiety, and depression. Elderly patients are often recommended to seek another form of treatment for psychotic conditions, as atypical antipsychotics may increase the risk of dementia, amnesia, and memory loss.
Additionally, many victims claim that some atypical antipsychotic medications including Risperdal may cause changes in breast tissue in men and boys. Antipsychotics may also cause similar issues, including impotence and decreased libido.
Recalls and Safety Announcements
The U.S. FDA has issued drug safety communications regarding Abilify, Geodon, Risperdal, and Zyprexa. Several of these drugs are associated with rare but severe skin conditions, or side effects including a lack of impulse control. Despite the more than 10,000 lawsuits pending against Johnson & Johnson regarding side effects associated with Risperdal, the FDA has not yet added a boxed warning to the drug’s label regarding the medication’s possible side effects regarding male breast tissue changes.
Lawsuits and Settlements
At least one lawsuit filed by a man whose claims that his prescription for Risperdal as a boy caused him to develop breasts has resulted in a large financial payout for the victim. Other male victims who claim that the antipsychotic caused them to grow breasts have also filed class action lawsuits regarding the drug, claiming that they required breast reduction surgeries and have suffered from bullying, depression, and body dysphoria due to the antipsychotic’s breast tissue side effects.
