Antipsychotics and their Side Effects

With the remarkable expansion in the use of antipsychotics, concerns about their immediate, intermediate, and long-term adverse effects have intensified. Despite this, studies consistently show that monitoring of patients taking antipsychotics can be inadequate, haphazard, or worse. This book provides a comprehensive review of the adverse effects of this pharmacologically complex therapeutic class, covering all commonly used conventional and atypical agents. In the first section, each chapter provides background information about an adverse effect, reviews the evidence linking the effect to various antipsychotics, and provides specific detection and monitoring recommendations. The second section provides unique monitoring guides for each antipsychotic. The third section provides the clinician with a program to monitor patients over the long-term. By supporting rational treatment decisions and systematic adverse effect monitoring, Antipsychotics and their Side Effects provides the clinician with the necessary information and tools for optimizing the safe and effective long-term use of antipsychotic drugs.

Table of Contents:
Foreword; Preface; Purpose, development, and limitations of Antipsychotics and their Side Effects; Guide to using Antipsychotics and their Side Effects; About the authors; About the cover; Part I. Antipsychotic Side Effects and Monitoring Implications: 1. Introduction; 2. Agranulocytosis and other blood dyscrasias; 3. Anticholinergic effects; 4. Diabetes; 5. Dyslipidemia; 6. Extrapyramidal symptoms; 7. Hepatic effects; 8. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome; 9. Obesity and weight gain; 10. Ocular effects; 11. Prolactin effects; 12. QT prolongation, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death; 13. Sedation and sleep disturbances; 14. Seizures; 15. Sexual dysfunction; 16. Sialorrhea; 17. Skin effects and hypersensitivity reactions; 18. Tardive dyskinesia; 19. Urinary incontinence; 20. Venous thromboembolism; 21. Vital signs; Part II. Summary Monitoring Recommendations for Individual Antipsychotics: 22. Aripiprazole; 23. Chlorpromazine; 24. Clozapine; 25. Flupenthixol; 26. Fluphenazine; 27. Haloperidol; 28. Loxapine; 29. Methotrimeprazine; 30. Molindone; 31. Olanzapine; 32. Paliperidone; 33. Pericyazine; 34. Perphenazine; 35. Pimozide; 36. Pipotiazine palmitate; 37. Quetiapine; 38. Risperidone; 39. Thioridazine; 40. Thiothixene; 41. Trifluoperazine; 42. Ziprasidone; 43. Zuclopenthixol; Part III. General Monitoring Form for Patients Taking Antipsychotics; Index.

About the Author :
David M. Gardner is Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Michael D. Teehan is Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Review :
'My students, in particular, enjoyed some of the background history to antipsychotic therapies. I really like the comparison tables with respect to the different agents - particularly some of the less commonly focused on side effects (e.g. ocular, derm). I have been trying to develop a comprehensive metabolic monitoring form for our patients and am very impressed with the one included in the book.' Melanie McLeod, Clinical Pharmacist, Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region 'The first section of the book is valuable as a reference for those familiar with the practice of psychiatry, or as an introduction for trainees who are becoming familiar with these compounds. Overall, the practical nature of this book makes it an excellent addition to the libraries of learners and practitioners alike.' N. D. Mitchell and S. M. Dursun, University of Alberta 'I know of no other book that covers the topic so completely, lucidly, and succinctly. It is an exceptionally praiseworthy piece of work that should be on the short list of 'must have' books for every physician, nurse, and pharmacist who deals with antipsychotic medications. I will add it to my own personal library with pleasure.' Eliot Lawrence Gardner, Chief, Neuropsychopharmacology Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Johns Hopkins University