Several medications are useful for the treatment of psychosis and other related conditions. These medications are also used for treatment of mood, anxiety, eating and disruptive behaviour disorders. Sometimes these medications are called neuroleptics, first-generation or typical antipsychotics and second-generation or atypical antipsychotics.
Below you will find information sheets on each of these medications, as well as some resource guides and an antipsychotic monitoring form for families. Use the antipsychotic monitoring form to help you and your doctor monitor how well this medication is working is working for your child, and also to measure any side effects your child may be experiencing.
Metabolic side effects can sometimes occur in children and youth who are taking second-generation antipsychotic medications (or SGAs). SGAs are a type of medication used to treat several mental health conditions.
Metabolic side effects of SGA medications can include:
- weight gain (especially around the belly)
- high blood sugar
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol levels
- high triglyceride levels
If three or more of these occur together, this is called metabolic syndrome.
If your child has been put on a second generation antipsychotic, you can find more information in the Patient and Family Guide to Second Generation Antipsychotics.
aripiprazole (Abilify®)
Is an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medication and is also used for treatment of irritability of autism.
Clozapine (Clozaril®/Apo-clozapine®/Gen-clozapine®)
Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCD).
Olanzapine (Zyprexa®, Zyprexa® Zydis)
Olanzapine is an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and symptoms associated with mood and anxiety disorders.
Quetiapine (Seroquel®, Seroquel XR®)
Quetiapine is an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia, autism symptoms, depression, anxiety disorders and other conditions.
Risperidone (Risperdal®)
Risperidone is an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medication and is also used for treatment of irritability of autism and tic disorders.
Ziprasidone (Zeldox®)
Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia, autism symptoms, bipolar disorder and tourette syndrome.
Traditional Antipsychotics
Traditional antipsychotics are antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medications used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, tic disorders, autism symptoms and behavioural disorders.
CAMESA Guidelines for Parents and Doctors
The CAMESA guidelines provide parents and doctors with information about the metabolic side effects of antipsychotic drugs in children, and also includes metabolic monitoring forms.
Antipsychotic Monitoring Form
A form used to monitor response and side effects with antipsychotic medications.
Atypical Antipsychotics and Metabolic Monitoring
Information for parents/caregivers on atypical antipsychotics and their possible metabolic side effects. Includes ways to prevent, treat and monitor these side-effects.
Patient and Family Guide to Second Generation Antipsychotics
This booklet contains information about how to help your child live well while taking second-generation antipsychotic medications, as well as tips for managing some of the metabolic side effects associated with these medications.
Second-Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs), Appetite, Diet & Activity
Information for families about how healthy eating and physical activity can help manage appetite in children and youth who are taking SGA medications.
Second-Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs), Cholesterol, Diet & Activity
Information for families about how healthy eating and physical activity can help manage cholesterol in children and youth who are taking SGA medications.
Second-Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs), Insulin, Diet & Activity
Information for families about how healthy eating and physical activity can help manage insulin in children and youth who are taking SGA medications.
Second-Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs), Prolactin, Diet & Activity
Information for families about how healthy eating and physical activity can help manage prolactin in children and youth who are taking SGA medications.
Second-Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs), Triglycerides, Diet & Activity
Information for families about how healthy eating and physical activity can help manage triclycerides in children and youth who are taking SGA medications.
Metabolic Assessment, Screening, and Monitoring Tools
Resources for Healthcare Professionals on Second Generation Antipsychotics and Metabolic Complications, as well as Metabolic Assessment, Screening, and Monitoring Tools