Side effect

What happens

What to do about it

COMMON (more than about 1 in 10 people might get these)

Sleepiness

Feeling sleepy, drowsy or sluggish. It can last for a few hours after taking a dose.

Don't drive or use machinery. Ask your doctor if you can take your antipsychotic at a different time.

Movement disorders(extra-pyramidal side effects)

Having shaky hands. Your eyes and tongue may move on their own. You may feel very restless, or stiff.

It is not usually dangerous but is a well known side effect. If it is distressing or worries you, tell your doctor. He or she may be able to give you something for it e.g. an anticholinergic medicine.

LESS COMMON (less than about 1 in 10 people might get these)

Hypotension

Low blood pressure - this can make you feel dizzy.

Try not to stand up too quickly. If you feel dizzy, don't drive.

Headache

When your head is painful.

Try paracetamol. Your pharmacist will be able to advise if this is safe to take with any other medicines you may be taking.

Restlessness

Being more on edge. You may sweat a lot more.

Try and relax by taking deep breaths. Wear loose fitting clothes.

Raised prolactin (hyper- prolactinaemia)

It can affect breasts (including milk being leaked) and periods in women, or cause impotence and chest changes in men.

It can be very distressing. Discuss with your doctor when you next see him or her as it may possibly even affect your bones if prolactin is raised for a long time.

Constipation

When you want to poop but can't (the opposite of diarrhoea). You can't pass a motion.

Make sure you eat enough fibre, cereal or fruit. Make sure you are drinking enough fluid.
Make sure you keep active and get some exercise e.g. walking. If this does not help, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a mild laxative.

RARE (less than about 1 in 100 people might get these)

Blurred vision

Things look fuzzy and you can't focus properly.

Don't drive. See your doctor if you are worried. You won't need glasses.

Weight gain

Eating more and putting on weight.

A diet full of vegetables and fibre may help prevent weight gain. Ask for advice.
See the separate section below and Click here to see a section on helping you to feel less hungry.

Skin rashes

Blotches seen anywhere.

Stop taking - see your doctor now.