A REVIEW: ANTI-PSYCHOTIC DRUGS AND ITS ADVERSE EFFECTS ON HEALTH

Author Name: 1. Ms. Aarohi Fernandes, 2. Ms. Betty Koshy, 3. Dr. Devraj Singh Chouhan

Volume/Issue: 02/01

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://www.doi-ds.org/doilink/07.2021-27427757/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Assistant Professor, Parul Institute of Nursing, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
2. Assistant Professor, Parul Institute of Nursing, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
3. Associate Professor, Parul Institute of Nursing, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study is to summarize the main research findings pertaining to adverse effects of antipsychotic drugs. Narrative review of recent research paper known to the authors was extracted. Fourteen effects were reported by 57% or more participants, most commonly: ‘Drowsiness, feeling tired, sedation’ (92%), ‘Loss of motivation’ (86%), ‘Slowed thoughts’ (86%), and ‘Emotional numbing’ (85%). Suicidality was reported to be a side effect by 58%. Older people reported particularly poor outcomes and high levels of adverse effects. Duration of treatment was unrelated to positive outcomes but significantly related to negative outcomes. Most respondents (70%) had tried to stop taking the drugs. The most common reasons people wanted to stop were the side effects (64%) and worries about long-term physical health (52%). Most (70%) did not recall being told anything at all about side effects. Nurses can optimize patient care by reinforcing the importance of taking medications as recommended and referring them to pharmacists or other professionals if specific questions about dosing or drug interactions arise. The review concludes that antipsychotics are an important line of treatment of psychotic disorders and are widely used. There are many side-effects of the antipsychotic drugs but with proper observation and health maintenance minimal side-effect treatment line can be given.

Key words: Adverse Effect, Anti-Psychotic, Nurses Role