ANTIPSYCHOTICS
Haloperidol
Indication Conventional first generation drug. Used in
cases of psychosis and or schizophrenia
Mechanism of Action Dopamine receptor antagonist. Blocks
dopamine receptors from binding thus
inhibiting the use of excessive dopamine.
Adverse Effects Constipation, sedation, orthostatic
hypotension, Neurological malignant
syndrome.
Evaluation The nurse needs to be attentive to side
effects and possible effects that can affect
client safety and other’s safety.
Client Education The client also needs to be educated on the
side effects and what could come with taking
the drug over a long period of time. Needs to
be informed on what the drug actually does to
the body.
Olanzapine
Indication 2nd generation antipsychotic. Dopamine
receptor antagonist and is a serotonin agonist
which causes antidepressant agents.
Mechanism of Action Blocks dopamine receptors from binding but
opens serotonin receptors which keeps
depression away. Effects positive and
negative s/sx of schizophrenia and psychosis.
Could also be used for mood disorders.
Adverse Effects EPS, but less metabolic syndrome issues.
Evaluation The nurse needs to be attentive to mood to
see if the drug is working. Will also need to
evaluate the patient's side effects.
Client Education Needs to be educated on the side effects and
to report how they are feeling at any given
time. This can include metabolic issues or
simply the mood of the patient.
, Ziprasidone
Indication 2nd generation antipsychotic. Dopamine
receptor antagonist and is a serotonin agonist
which causes antidepressant agents.
Mechanism of Action Blocks dopamine receptors from binding but
opens serotonin receptors which keeps
depression away. Effects positive and
negative s/sx of schizophrenia and psychosis.
Could also be used for mood disorders.
Adverse Effects EPS, but less metabolic syndrome issues.
Evaluation The nurse needs to be attentive to mood to
see if the drug is working. Will also need to
evaluate the patient's side effects.
Client Education Needs to be educated on the side effects and
to report how they are feeling at any given
time. This can include metabolic issues or
simply the mood of the patient.
Risperidone
Indication 2nd generation antipsychotic. Dopamine
receptor antagonist and is a serotonin agonist
which causes antidepressant agents.
Mechanism of Action Blocks dopamine receptors from binding but
opens serotonin receptors which keeps
depression away. Effects positive and
negative s/sx of schizophrenia and psychosis.
Could also be used for mood disorders.
Adverse Effects EPS, but less metabolic syndrome issues.
Evaluation The nurse needs to be attentive to mood to
see if the drug is working. Will also need to
evaluate the patient's side effects.
Client Education Needs to be educated on the side effects and
to report how they are feeling at any given
time. This can include metabolic issues or
simply the mood of the patient.
Haloperidol
Indication Conventional first generation drug. Used in
cases of psychosis and or schizophrenia
Mechanism of Action Dopamine receptor antagonist. Blocks
dopamine receptors from binding thus
inhibiting the use of excessive dopamine.
Adverse Effects Constipation, sedation, orthostatic
hypotension, Neurological malignant
syndrome.
Evaluation The nurse needs to be attentive to side
effects and possible effects that can affect
client safety and other’s safety.
Client Education The client also needs to be educated on the
side effects and what could come with taking
the drug over a long period of time. Needs to
be informed on what the drug actually does to
the body.
Olanzapine
Indication 2nd generation antipsychotic. Dopamine
receptor antagonist and is a serotonin agonist
which causes antidepressant agents.
Mechanism of Action Blocks dopamine receptors from binding but
opens serotonin receptors which keeps
depression away. Effects positive and
negative s/sx of schizophrenia and psychosis.
Could also be used for mood disorders.
Adverse Effects EPS, but less metabolic syndrome issues.
Evaluation The nurse needs to be attentive to mood to
see if the drug is working. Will also need to
evaluate the patient's side effects.
Client Education Needs to be educated on the side effects and
to report how they are feeling at any given
time. This can include metabolic issues or
simply the mood of the patient.
, Ziprasidone
Indication 2nd generation antipsychotic. Dopamine
receptor antagonist and is a serotonin agonist
which causes antidepressant agents.
Mechanism of Action Blocks dopamine receptors from binding but
opens serotonin receptors which keeps
depression away. Effects positive and
negative s/sx of schizophrenia and psychosis.
Could also be used for mood disorders.
Adverse Effects EPS, but less metabolic syndrome issues.
Evaluation The nurse needs to be attentive to mood to
see if the drug is working. Will also need to
evaluate the patient's side effects.
Client Education Needs to be educated on the side effects and
to report how they are feeling at any given
time. This can include metabolic issues or
simply the mood of the patient.
Risperidone
Indication 2nd generation antipsychotic. Dopamine
receptor antagonist and is a serotonin agonist
which causes antidepressant agents.
Mechanism of Action Blocks dopamine receptors from binding but
opens serotonin receptors which keeps
depression away. Effects positive and
negative s/sx of schizophrenia and psychosis.
Could also be used for mood disorders.
Adverse Effects EPS, but less metabolic syndrome issues.
Evaluation The nurse needs to be attentive to mood to
see if the drug is working. Will also need to
evaluate the patient's side effects.
Client Education Needs to be educated on the side effects and
to report how they are feeling at any given
time. This can include metabolic issues or
simply the mood of the patient.
