While some atypical drugs can produce side effects similar to those produced by the older medications, particularly at high doses, overall they are less of a problem in this group. A major advantage of new antipsychotic medications over the older ones is their general tendency to cause milder extrapyramidal side effects, if they produce any at all. Tardive dyskinesia is also rare with the newer generation of medicines. High doses of the newer medications, however, can also produce Parkinsonian symptoms and social withdrawal.

Atypical drugs have their own characteristic side effect profile, and some of the side effects are just as serious as those associated with older drugs. These complications can be traced to changes in the body's metabolism. The result can be significant weight gain. An obvious counter to this side effect is regular exercise and a good diet. If the patient can be encouraged to follow these recommendations, her health will improve.

The FDA has required that this group of medications be labeled with a warning about the possibility that they may increase blood sugar and may cause or worsen diabetes. They have been associated with increased levels of cholesterol, significant weight gain, and high blood pressure. There is some variability from one medication to another and from one individual to the next, so we do not have enough knowledge to predict whether any given patient will have a particular side effect from a particular medication. We also can't predict how severe a side effect will be for a particular person. For this reason it is important that every patient be closely monitored for these potential side effects. Patient, doctor, and family should have plans for prevention of side effects such as weight gain and early intervention if they develop.

Common Side Effects of Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs