Antipsychotic switching
Antipsychotic Switching
Antipsychotic switching (pronunciation: an-tee-sy-kot-ik swi-ching) is a clinical practice in psychiatry that involves changing a patient's antipsychotic medication to a different one. This is often done when the current medication is not effective, causes intolerable side effects, or when a more effective medication becomes available.
Etymology
The term "antipsychotic switching" is derived from the words "anti" (against), "psychotic" (pertaining to psychosis), and "switching" (changing). It refers to the practice of changing or switching the antipsychotic medication being used to treat a patient's psychosis.
Process
The process of antipsychotic switching involves gradually reducing the dose of the current medication while simultaneously increasing the dose of the new medication. This is known as "cross-tapering". The aim is to minimize withdrawal symptoms and prevent a relapse of psychosis. The exact method and speed of switching can vary depending on the specific medications involved, the patient's symptoms, and their overall health.
Related Terms
- Cross-tapering: The process of gradually reducing the dose of one medication while simultaneously increasing the dose of another.
- Psychosis: A mental disorder characterized by a disconnection from reality.
- Antipsychotic: A class of medication used to treat psychosis.
- Side effects: Unwanted effects of a medication.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antipsychotic switching
- Wikipedia's article - Antipsychotic switching
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