Atypical Antipsychotics: Impact on Overall Health and Quality of Life

Abstract The use of antipsychotic medications for the treatment of schizophrenia requires a detailed assessment of patient history, including comorbidities and concomitant medications. Because all antipsychotics may produce a complex array of adverse effects, the patient's drug therapy may lead to exacerbation of pre-existent health problems and impaired quality of life. The occurrence of drug-related side effects such as cardiac disturbances, diabetes, and obesity is important to document for these patients, especially if they are already at increased risk because of underlying disease, substance abuse, or smoking. Antipsychotics may also cause anticholinergic effects, gait disturbances, and excessive sedation, which are particularly important reactions to monitor in elderly patients. Psychiatric nurses need to be aware of the risk for these side effects in relation to patients' new or ongoing medication so that potentially serious events can be recognized and corrected. Appropriate patient education about medication is also an important component in helping patients to recognize and manage side effects and to gain the most from their drug therapy. (J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc [2002]. 8, S9-S17.)