Medication & Treatment: What you need to know
This guide offers a simple overview of how antipsychotic medications work and what to
expect when starting or adjusting them.
The IAM Medication Resource Centre provides clear, accessible information about medications commonly used in mental‐health care, especially antipsychotic medications used to support people living with psychosis and related conditions. This fact sheet offers a gentle, plain‐language overview to help you understand what these medications are, how they work, and what to expect.
What Are Antipsychotic Medications?
How Do These Medications Work?
Antipsychotics help rebalance chemicals in the brain that affect thinking, perception, mood, and behaviour. They influence neurotransmitters such as:
Dopamine
Serotonin
Norepinephrine
Different medications work in different ways, and each person responds differently. What
works well for one person may not work for another. It may take time to find the right
medication and dose.
Different Types of Antipsychotic Medications
There are two main categories:
1. First‐generation (“typical”) antipsychotics
These older medications have been used for many decades. They can be very effective for
some people but may cause more movement‐related side effects.
2. Second‐generation (“atypical”) antipsychotics
These medications tend to have a different side‐effect profile and may cause fewer
movement‐related effects for some people. They are commonly prescribed today.
There is no “best” medication. There is only what works best for each person.
How Medications Are Taken
Antipsychotics can come in:
Tablets or capsules
Liquids
Dissolvable tablets
Short‐acting injections
Long‐acting injections (given every few weeks)
You and your prescriber will work together to choose the format that best fits your life,
preferences, and needs.
Finding the Right Medication
It’s common to:
Try more than one medication
Need dose changes
Combine medication with therapy, routines, and other supports
Recovery is not one‐size‐fits‐all. It can take time to find the right fit- this is normal and does not mean treatment is failing.
Medications are just one part of a broader treatment plan that may also include:
Therapy
Peer support
Wellness routines
Community programs
Cultural or spiritual practices
Family support
What to Expect When Starting or Changing Medication
You may notice:
Gradual symptom improvement
Changes in sleep or energy
Mild side effects that may pass on their own
Side effects that need monitoring
It helps to:
Track changes in how you feel
Write down questions for appointments
Use the IAM Medication Activities Tracker
Talk openly with your prescriber about concerns
Involve a caregiver/support person if helpful
If Side Effects Happen
Many side effects are manageable and improve over time.
Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you notice:
Changes in movement
Shifts in appetite or sleep
Restlessness or discomfort
Emotional changes
Never stop medication suddenly without guidance; sudden changes can cause symptoms to return.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist
Why this medication? What symptoms will it help?
When should I expect to notice changes?
What side effects should I watch for?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
How will we monitor this medication?
Are there other options if this one doesn’t work for me?
(See IAM’s full “Questions for Your Doctor” and “Questions for Your Pharmacist” resources.)
Where to Learn More
The IAM Medication Resource Centre provides:
General information on antipsychotic medications
Detailed information on specific medications
Tools to support decision‑making
Guidance for both individuals and caregivers
Visit www.iamentalhealth.ca for the complete library.
If you need help or have medication concerns
Get Help Now
1‑855‑449‑9949
support@iamentalhealth.ca