What Are Antipsychotic Medicines and Why Might They Be Prescribed
Antipsychotics are prescription medicines used primarily in the treatment of psychosis, but they can also have roles in the treatment of some other mental-health conditions.
Antipsychotics are prescription medicines used primarily in the treatment of psychosis, but they can also have roles in the treatment of some other mental-health conditions.
The name can sound alarming if you have been prescribed one for a reason you did not associate with psychosis.
A medicine’s drug class does not by itself tell you your diagnosis. Ask your prescriber what the medicine is intended to treat in your particular case.
What does ‘antipsychotic’ describe?
The term describes a class of medicines rather than a judgement about a person.
These medicines affect signalling systems in the brain and can reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions or severely disturbed thinking in conditions where those symptoms occur.
Some antipsychotics may also be used within treatment plans for other conditions under clinical supervision.
Why might monitoring be part of treatment?
Antipsychotic medicines can have important physical as well as mental-health effects.
Depending on the medicine and circumstances, healthcare professionals may monitor matters such as weight, blood pressure, blood tests, movement-related effects or other aspects of physical health.
If monitoring has been arranged, ask your healthcare team what is being checked and why.
Side effects differ between medicines and people
Possible unwanted effects vary across the class.
Rather than relying on somebody else’s experience, use the information supplied with your prescription and speak to your pharmacist, GP or specialist team about concerns.
Do not stop or alter medication because you are worried about a side effect without obtaining appropriate medical advice.
The reason for prescribing matters more than the label
If you are unsure why an antipsychotic has been prescribed, ask directly.
You can ask what symptoms it is intended to help, how improvement will be assessed, what monitoring is needed and when the treatment will be reviewed.
Understanding the plan can reduce anxiety created by the medicine’s name.
If you are worried about stigma
Taking a particular class of medicine does not define you.
You can decide who you tell about your medication. If shame or fear about treatment is making it difficult to attend appointments or take medication as prescribed, discuss that with your healthcare professional rather than carrying the worry privately.
Mental-health treatment should be something you can ask questions about.
Last reviewed
6 September 2026
Important medication and mental health information
This guide provides general information only and is not medical advice. It is not intended to recommend any particular medicine, treatment, dose, change to medication or course of action.
Medicines can affect people differently. The appropriate treatment will depend on your individual circumstances, health, other medicines you take and the reason treatment has been prescribed.
Do not start, stop, reduce, increase, change or switch prescribed medication based on information in this guide. If you have questions or concerns about your medication, side effects, missed doses, withdrawal symptoms or whether treatment is helping, speak to your GP, prescribing clinician, pharmacist or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Some medicines used in mental-health treatment can be associated with dependence or withdrawal symptoms. Do not change or stop prescribed medication without professional advice.
If you think you may be experiencing a serious reaction to medication, seek urgent medical advice.
If you or somebody else is in immediate danger or there is a life-threatening emergency, call 999 or go to A&E. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need urgent help but it is not a life-threatening emergency, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or use your local NHS urgent mental health service.