What are some common side effects of antipsychotic medications?

Antipsychotic medications, commonly prescribed for conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, often come with a range of side effects. The presence of weight gain, drowsiness, and extrapyramidal symptoms is well-documented and widely discussed in clinical literature regarding these medications.

Weight gain is frequently observed, particularly with some atypical antipsychotics, and can be attributed to various metabolic changes these drugs might induce. Drowsiness, or sedation, is another common effect, leading many individuals to feel lethargic or sleepy, which can significantly impact their daily activities and quality of life. Extrapyramidal symptoms, such as tremors, rigidity, and tardive dyskinesia, are movement disorders that can also occur due to the impact of antipsychotics on the dopaminergic pathways in the brain. These symptoms can be distressing and may require additional treatment to manage.

The other options do not align with the typical side effects of antipsychotic medications. Increased energy and alertness, for instance, might be more indicative of stimulant medications rather than antipsychotics, which are generally associated with sedation. Decreased appetite can occur in some individuals on different kinds of medications, but it is not a hallmark side effect