Breakthroughs in Antipsychotic Medications: A Guide for Consumers, Families, and Clinicians

This book, which is a publication of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, deals with various anti psychotics including the atypicals. The book explains what anti psychotics are and what they do. There is quite an authoritive account on negative symptoms. A list of the medication is given and compares new medications to the older ones, especially with regard to side effects. It discusses the issues involved in switching medications such as:- Would it be wise or unwise to switch? What medication to switch to? What is the best time to switch? The six steps involved in switching. What happens after I switch? How do I catch up with lost time? This book deals with the topic of switching medication and is a guide for the layman as well as the clinician. It is an authoritive account written in plain English and is the first of its kind. An invaluable tool for sufferers considering switching.

I think every doctor and clinician should have this book as a reference. It is also useful for family members and patients. It is the best one that I have found that gives clear information regarding the benefits of clozapine, risperdole, and olanzapine as well as guidelines for changing from the older medications that have more risk of tardive dyskinesia. If you only buy one book on up-to-date treatment of schizophrenia, this is the one! There are chapters with advice for patients as well. I gave a copy to a friend who needed this information, so am ordering another!

Breakthroughs In Antipsychotic Medications provides an important, in-depth survey of the antipsychotic medications which have succeeded in helping many, surveying the pros and cons of their side-effects and applications and including insights on the symptoms and treatments of various mental conditions.