Schizophrenia and bipolar disorders are some severe mental disturbances, which can impact an individual's capability to react normally, in normal circumstances. This is where antipsychotic drugs play an important role. By taking these antipsychotic drugs, a person can function normally, thereby reducing the after-effects of schizophrenia.

Yet, a recent spate of FDA warnings to some reputed pharmaceutical companies has triggered of a curious debate in the pharma industry. Are these antipsychotic drugs a result of careless manipulation of the quality procedures? Or, are these a victim of FDA rules and regulations?

Irrespective of the FDA warnings, here are 7 things you should know about antipsychotic drugs and psychotic disorders

1. The antipsychotic drugs do help in curing disorders like schizophrenia, but a permanent cure is definitely not assured with these drugs. They do provide temporary relief, but a relapse of an attack is certainly not ruled out, in any event.
2. The dosage of these drugs is not uniform across the board. Normally administered by only qualified physicians for treating mental disorders, the dosage is at best, individualized.
3. Clozapine was the first drug in this class, which was introduced in 1990. As on date, Risperidone, Quetiapine, Olanzapine and Aripiprazole are prescribed by a lot of physicians.
4. Schizophrenia can only partially be cured by drugs. Though it is a mental disorder, the drugs don't control the mind completely. There could be possible relapses of the disorder, which means individuals could only get completely cured with the love and support of their families.
5. The general belief about these drugs is that they could cause addiction. This is quite contrary to what these drugs show when taken, as they are not addictive at all. These drugs are not sedatives, but they are drugs that diminish hallucinations and the thought of having a psychotic episode.
6. It is important that individuals suffering from psychotic episodes stick to the treatment course provided to them. They must follow the medication schedule, which could often get tough for schizophrenic patients. That said, patients can use a lot of strategies to help overcome this issue. The problem here is that patients who suffer from schizophrenia may not think they are suffering from a disorder. It is here that physicians and family members play an important role, because the treatment would really start when the individual realizes he is suffering from a mental disorder.
7. Importantly, individuals should also be aware of the side effects of taking these drugs. Normally, patients have reported suffering from drowsiness, muscle spasms, tremors, weak feet and much more. In fact, some people have said that the severity of the illness is probably more than what it was, before they took to medication.

Curing Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders with the help of antipsychotic drugs seem to be the ideal way for a lot of physicians. That said, there is plenty more about these disorders that people should know.