Overcoming Sleepiness Induced by Antipsychotic Medications
In the realm of mental health treatment, antipsychotic medications play a crucial role in managing symptoms of psychosis, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, these drugs can sometimes come with a common side effect: drowsiness. This article aims to provide a clear and straightforward guide for patients on how to manage this unwelcome symptom.
Drowsiness, often referred to as sleepiness, somnolence, or sedation, can be a bothersome side effect for many individuals taking antipsychotics. If you suspect that your antipsychotic is causing severe drowsiness, tracking your symptoms can help you realise it sooner.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage drowsiness. One approach is to wait at least two weeks to build up a tolerance to the medication, which may help reduce drowsiness over time. If drowsiness persists, there are other options available. These include lowering the dosage, switching to another medication with a lower chance of causing drowsiness, or working with your doctor to find a solution.
In some cases, asking about supplements or other medications to manage drowsiness and boost alertness during the day could be an option. A combination of treatments may help fight some side effects, such as drowsiness. If not, discussing tweaking the treatment plan with your doctor is always an option.
It's essential to remember that antipsychotics affect neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine. Therefore, limiting other substances and medications that cause drowsiness can help prevent increasing the drowsiness experienced. Considering the timing of when the antipsychotic is taken, such as taking it at night to lower daytime drowsiness, can also help manage drowsiness.
Good sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding stimulants close to bedtime, and establishing a bedtime routine, can further help manage drowsiness.
It's important to note that drowsiness can affect the ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Additionally, drowsiness from antipsychotics can increase the risk of falls and serious injuries. Suddenly stopping an antipsychotic without consulting a doctor can lead to a relapse of symptoms.
According to a 2023 research review, antipsychotics can be grouped into three categories based on the severity of drowsiness as a side effect. High somnolence (clozapine) antipsychotics, for instance, are associated with the most drowsiness, while low somnolence (aripiprazole, asenapine, cariprazine, haloperidol, lurasidone, paliperidone) antipsychotics are less sedating. Some medications, like Ziprasidone, are noted for their lower sedation potential.
In conclusion, if you're experiencing drowsiness from your antipsychotic medication, remember that there are steps you can take to manage it. From waiting to build up a tolerance, to adjusting your dosage, exploring alternative medications, or working closely with your healthcare team, there are solutions available to help you navigate this challenge. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.
