Empowering families affected by psychosis

Possible side-effects can be controlled if your relative:

gets regular exercise and eats a low-fat, low-sugar, high-fibre diet (e.g., bran, fruits and vegetables) to reduce the risk of diabetes and help prevent weight gain and constipation
uses sugarless candy or gum, drinks water and brushes their teeth regularly to increase salivation and reduce a dry mouth
gets up slowly from a sitting or lying position to help prevent dizziness.

If your relative finds the side-effects too disruptive, the physician may lower the dose, prescribe medications to reduce side-effects or switch to another medication. Your relative will be closely monitored, either in the hospital or as an outpatient, to ensure the medication is working and that side-effects are kept to a minimum.