Atypical antipsychotics are a class of medications used to manage various mental health conditions. These medications work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain to regulate mood, thought, and behavior. While many atypical antipsychotics are available in oral forms, some are also formulated as injectables, providing an alternative for ongoing treatment.
What Are Injectable Atypical Antipsychotics?
Injectable atypical antipsychotics offer a distinct approach to medication delivery. These formulations are designed to release the active drug gradually into the body over an extended period. This sustained release can help maintain consistent therapeutic levels of the medication.
The development of injectable forms addresses several practical challenges in mental health treatment. One significant advantage is improved medication adherence, as individuals do not need to remember to take daily pills. Injectable options also offer convenience for patients and caregivers by reducing the frequency of administration. Some injectable antipsychotics are short-acting, used for rapid tranquilization in acute situations, while others are long-acting, intended for ongoing maintenance treatment.
Commonly Available Injectable Atypical Antipsychotics
Several atypical antipsychotics are available in injectable forms. These medications are prescribed for conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The availability of long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations has expanded treatment options for many individuals.
Risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, is available in long-acting injectable forms under brand names like Risperdal Consta and Perseris. Risperdal Consta is administered every two weeks, while Perseris once a month. These formulations are approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.
Paliperidone, a metabolite of risperidone, is an injectable atypical antipsychotic with multiple long-acting formulations. Invega Sustenna is administered monthly, Invega Trinza every three months, and Invega Hafyera every six months. These paliperidone LAIs are approved for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
Olanzapine is available as an injectable under the brand name Zyprexa Relprevv. This formulation is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia. Aripiprazole also has long-acting injectable options, including Abilify Maintena, administered once a month, and Aristada, administered monthly, every six weeks, or every two months depending on the dose. These aripiprazole LAIs are approved for schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.
Administering Injectable Atypical Antipsychotics
Injectable atypical antipsychotics are precisely delivered into the muscle. These medications are given as intramuscular injections. This route allows for the slow and steady absorption of the drug into the bloodstream over time.
Common sites for these injections include the deltoid muscle in the upper arm or the gluteal muscle in the buttocks. The specific injection site may vary depending on the particular medication and the volume of the injection. All injectable atypical antipsychotics are administered by a qualified healthcare professional in a clinical setting, such as a doctor’s office or clinic.
Key Considerations for Treatment
When considering injectable atypical antipsychotics, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and the need for ongoing monitoring. Like all medications, atypical antipsychotics can cause various side effects, which may include weight gain, changes in metabolism (such as increased blood sugar and cholesterol levels), and movement disorders like akathisia (inner restlessness) or tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements). These effects can vary in severity among individuals.
Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is an important aspect of treatment with these medications. This involves periodic blood tests to check for metabolic changes and physical examinations to assess for movement disorders. Open communication with the healthcare team is important for managing any side effects that arise and for ensuring the treatment plan remains effective. Shared decision-making with a doctor helps to ensure that the chosen treatment aligns with an individual’s specific needs and preferences.