antipsychotics are a class of medication that are used to treat psychosis and other mental health problems that involve psychotic symptoms. psychosis is a condition where a person has difficulty distinguishing reality from their own thoughts and perceptions, and may experience delusions, hallucinations, paranoia or disordered thinking. antipsychotics work by affecting the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, that are involved in mood, cognition and perception. Some of the neurotransmitters that antipsychotics target are dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline and acetylcholine. antipsychotics can help reduce and control psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, and make them less distressing or bothersome for the person. They can also help prevent the symptoms from returning in the future (relapse). antipsychotics are usually prescribed by a psychiatrist or a doctor, and can be taken in different forms, such as tablets, liquid, injection or inhalation. There are many types of antipsychotics available in the UK, and they may have different effects and side effects for different people. Some of the common side effects of antipsychotics are weight gain, sedation, dry mouth, blurred vision and movement problems. antipsychotics are not a cure for psychosis, but they can help people manage their condition and live their lives more comfortably.
