Healthwise
To print: Use your web browser's print feature. Close this window after printing.

Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotic Medicines

Table of Contents


Overview

These are medicines that you get as a shot instead of as a pill. Doctors use them to treat certain mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The medicine releases slowly when it's given as shots. This means the medicine stays in your body longer than if you take a pill.

Why they're given

Shots may be a choice if you often forget to take pills or if you get certain side effects from pills. Or you may try shots because you relapsed while on pills. In a relapse, your symptoms return. Shots may help prevent relapse because they keep a steady amount of medicine in the body.

How they're given

You go to your doctor's office to get a shot. It's usually given in the arm or the rear end (buttocks). How often you get a shot depends on the type of medicine. You may get it every few weeks, once a month, or every few months.

Side effects

There are possible side effects with these medicines, whether they are given as a shot or as a pill. They include:

You may have pain or redness where you get the shot. You also may have other side effects not listed here. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from your medicine.

You may be asked to wait for a while in the doctor's office after you get the shot. This is to watch for possible problems with the shot.


Credits for Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotic Medicines

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document. Some information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.

© 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.