Due to the fear of those who were insane during the middle ages, mentally ill patients were housed and confined in asylums (“Mental illness”). Those who suffered any type of mental illness were misunderstood and discriminated against. Cases in history and the facts that are present now show that these patients struggle with not only self-stigma but also social stigma (Corrigan, Patrick W., and Deepa Rao). To treat certain mental illnesses like schizophrenia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and severe depression antipsychotics drugs are used. The problem is that they have numerous negative side affects, and pharmaceutical companies have not been able to make many advances in treating schizophrenia; furthermore, increase in suicide
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The first-generation antipsychotics (FGA) were introduced in the 1950’s. Today they are also known as typical antipsychotics. They work by blocking receptors for the neurotransmitter dopamine, but are associated with permanent side affects with movement disorders causing the patients to tremor and to have persistent muscle spasms. After realizing there is more than one type of dopamine receptor, approximately around the 1980s, second-generation drugs (SGA) were developed (Miller, R). They are also known as atypical antipsychotics, which are supposedly stronger and safer than the first generation. However, like first ones, atypical drugs have serious side effects as well. They trigger problems relating to the metabolism, and tend to cause obesity and type two diabetes. Some other possible side affects include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, vomiting, low blood pressure, seizures, and a low number of white blood cells; which fights infections (“Mental Health …show more content…
The newer drugs or atypical drugs are assumed to be safer, with fewer side affects. That is why they are supposed to be pricey. Nonetheless, studies now indicate that overall, the older drugs work just as well. The first-generation drugs are more affordable because they are available as generic brands and are lower in prices, while for the newer drugs can be quite expensive. Due to the fact that only two, atypical drugs, Clozapine and Risperidone, come in generic (14). It is common for brand name products to cost more than generic products, but chart comparison shows the brand names can cost 200 to 2,000 dollars monthly, when generics cost 100 to 800 dollars monthly. This seems a little
The first-generation antipsychotics (FGA) were introduced in the 1950’s. Today they are also known as typical antipsychotics. They work by blocking receptors for the neurotransmitter dopamine, but are associated with permanent side affects with movement disorders causing the patients to tremor and to have persistent muscle spasms. After realizing there is more than one type of dopamine receptor, approximately around the 1980s, second-generation drugs (SGA) were developed (Miller, R). They are also known as atypical antipsychotics, which are supposedly stronger and safer than the first generation. However, like first ones, atypical drugs have serious side effects as well. They trigger problems relating to the metabolism, and tend to cause obesity and type two diabetes. Some other possible side affects include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, vomiting, low blood pressure, seizures, and a low number of white blood cells; which fights infections (“Mental Health …show more content…
The newer drugs or atypical drugs are assumed to be safer, with fewer side affects. That is why they are supposed to be pricey. Nonetheless, studies now indicate that overall, the older drugs work just as well. The first-generation drugs are more affordable because they are available as generic brands and are lower in prices, while for the newer drugs can be quite expensive. Due to the fact that only two, atypical drugs, Clozapine and Risperidone, come in generic (14). It is common for brand name products to cost more than generic products, but chart comparison shows the brand names can cost 200 to 2,000 dollars monthly, when generics cost 100 to 800 dollars monthly. This seems a little