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What are antipsychotic medications?

Nov 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Antipsychotic medications mainly include chlorpromazine, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, aripiprazole, etc. These drugs are used to treat psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and mania, and must be taken strictly according to medical instructions. If psychiatric symptoms or discomfort occur during medication, prompt medical attention is recommended. While taking antipsychotic medications, it is important to maintain regular作息 (daily routines), avoid alcohol consumption, and refrain from drug abuse.

　　Major antipsychotic medications include chlorpromazine, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, and aripiprazole. These drugs are used to treat psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and mania, and must be taken strictly according to medical instructions. If psychiatric symptoms or adverse reactions occur after taking the medication, prompt medical attention is recommended.

　　1. Chlorpromazine: A classic antipsychotic drug that works by blocking dopamine receptors. It is effective for positive symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations and delusions, and can also alleviate manic episodes. It commonly causes sedation, so dosage adjustments should be carefully monitored.

　　2. Olanzapine: An atypical antipsychotic effective for both positive and negative symptoms. It improves thought disturbances and emotional blunting in patients with schizophrenia and can also be used for manic episodes. Monitoring of weight and blood glucose changes is necessary during treatment.

　　3. Risperidone: Acts by blocking both dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptors. It is suitable for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, and shows good efficacy against hallucinations, delusions, and behavioral disturbances. Treatment should start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed.

　　4. Quetiapine: Has a mild pharmacological effect and is effective for various symptoms of schizophrenia. It can also be used for manic or depressive episodes in bipolar disorder. It has relatively weak sedative effects and good tolerability, but must be taken regularly to maintain therapeutic effectiveness.

　　5. Aripiprazole: A partial dopamine agonist indicated for schizophrenia and manic episodes. It helps improve cognitive function and emotional symptoms, with relatively mild side effects. However, patients should be monitored for possible akathisia (restlessness).

　　During antipsychotic treatment, it is important to maintain regular sleep patterns, avoid alcohol and substance abuse, eat a balanced and light diet, engage moderately in gentle activities, maintain emotional stability, and strictly adhere to prescribed dosages—do not adjust or discontinue medication without medical supervision.

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