Side Effects Of Psychotropic Medications Research Articles

Comparative efficacy of akathisia treatments: A network meta-analysis.

Akathisia, a common side effect of psychotropic medications, poses a significant challenge in neuropsychiatry, affecting up to 30% of patients on antipsychotics. Despite its prevalence, akathisia remains poorly understood, with difficulties in diagnosis, patient reporting, and treatment efficacy. This research aimed to shed light on effective interventions to improve akathisia management. A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted, encompassing controlled trials in English and Italian languages. Databases, such asPubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE, were searched until July 9, 2023. Treatment effectiveness was assessed using standardized mean differences (SMDs) in post-treatment akathisia scores. Thirteen studies involving 446 individuals met the inclusion criteria. Benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, and NaSSA demonstrated significant efficacy as compared with placebo. Anticholinergic, anticonvulsant, triptan, and other treatments did not show significant differences. Benzodiazepines ranked highest in P-scores (0.8186), followed by beta-blockers and NaSSA. Effective management of akathisia is crucial, with benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, and NaSSA offering evidence-based options. Treatment rankings provide guidance for clinicians. Future research should prioritize larger, more robust studies to address limitations associated with small sample sizes and publication bias. This research enhances our understanding of interventions for akathisia, offering promising options to improve patient quality of life and prevent complications related to non-adherence and mismanagement.

Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Type 2 Diabetes in People Living with Severe Mental Illness: Results of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

People with serious mental illnesses (SMIs) such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder die up to 30 years younger than individuals in the general population. Premature mortality among this population is often due to medical comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Being a disease directly related to diet, adverse lifestyle choices, and side effects of psychotropic medication, an effective approach to T2D treatment and management could be non-pharmacological interventions. This systematic review and meta-analysis (1) summarise the current evidence base for non-pharmacological interventions (NPI) for diabetes management in people living with SMI and (2) evaluate the effect of these interventions on diverse health outcomes for people with SMI and comorbid diabetes. Six databases were searched to identify relevant studies: PubMed (MEDLINE), PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Studies were included if they reported on non-pharmacological interventions targeted at the management of T2D in people living with SMI. To be eligible, studies had to further involve a control group or report multiple time points of data in the same study population. Whenever there were enough interventions reporting data on the same outcome, we also performed a meta-analysis. Of 1867 records identified, 14 studies were included in the systematic review and 6 were also eligible for meta-analysis. The results showed that there was a reduction, although not significant, in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in the NPI group compared with the control, with a mean difference of -0.14 (95% CI, -0.42, 0.14, p = 0.33). Furthermore, NPI did not significantly reduce fasting blood glucose in these participants, with a mean difference of -17.70 (95% CI, -53.77, 18.37, p = 0.34). However, the meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in psychiatric symptoms: BPRS score, -3.66 (95% CI, -6.8, -0.47, p = 0.02) and MADRS score, -2.63 (95% CI, -5.24, -0.02, p = 0.05). NPI also showed a significant reduction in the level of total cholesterol compared with the control, with a mean difference of -26.10 (95% CI, -46.54, -5.66, p = 0.01), and in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol compared with control, with a standardised mean difference of -0.47 (95% CI, -0.90, -0.04, p = 0.03). NPI did not appear to have significant effect (p > 0.05) on body mass index (BMI), health-related quality of life (HRQL), triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with control. This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that NPI significantly (p < 0.05) reduced psychiatric symptoms, levels of total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes and SMI. While non-pharmacological interventions also reduced HbA1c, triglyceride, and BMI levels and improved quality of life in these people, the effects were not significant (p > 0.05).

DNA methylation may partly explain psychotropic drug-induced metabolic side effects: results from a prospective 1-month observational study

BackgroundMetabolic side effects of psychotropic medications are a major drawback to patients’ successful treatment. Using an epigenome-wide approach, we aimed to investigate DNA methylation changes occurring secondary to psychotropic treatment and evaluate associations between 1-month metabolic changes and both baseline and 1-month changes in DNA methylation levels. Seventy-nine patients starting a weight gain inducing psychotropic treatment were selected from the PsyMetab study cohort. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation was measured at baseline and after 1 month of treatment, using the Illumina Methylation EPIC BeadChip.ResultsA global methylation increase was noted after the first month of treatment, which was more pronounced (p < 2.2 × 10–16) in patients whose weight remained stable (< 2.5% weight increase). Epigenome-wide significant methylation changes (p < 9 × 10−8) were observed at 52 loci in the whole cohort. When restricting the analysis to patients who underwent important early weight gain (≥ 5% weight increase), one locus (cg12209987) showed a significant increase in methylation levels (p = 3.8 × 10–8), which was also associated with increased weight gain in the whole cohort (p = 0.004). Epigenome-wide association analyses failed to identify a significant link between metabolic changes and methylation data. Nevertheless, among the strongest associations, a potential causal effect of the baseline methylation level of cg11622362 on glycemia was revealed by a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis (n = 3841 for instrument-exposure association; n = 314,916 for instrument-outcome association).ConclusionThese findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of psychotropic drug-induced weight gain, revealing important epigenetic alterations upon treatment, some of which may play a mediatory role.

Psychotropic Medications and Dermatological Side Effects: An In-Depth Review

Psychotropic medications, commonly prescribed for psychiatric disorders, can have underappreciated dermatological side effects. This in-depth review explores the intricate relationship between psychotropic drugs and the skin, emphasizing the significance of recognizing and managing these side effects in clinical practice. It categorizes the dermatological side effects associated with different classes of psychotropic medications. These include antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anxiolytics. We delve into the spectrum of dermatological conditions, from mild issues like dry skin and acne to severe complications such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome and drug-induced lupus erythematosus. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of the dermatological side effects of psychotropic medications is essential for healthcare providers, enabling a holistic approach to patient care. This review is a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and educators, facilitating better-informed decision-making in the treatment of mental health disorders while prioritizing skin health and overall well-being.

The influence of bipolar disorder medication on sexual performance

Sexual performance is one of the key aspects of good quality of life, both in healthy people and patients suffering from various mental disorders. Besides many reasons causing poor sexual performance, like mental condition itself, medication can alter one's ability to achieve satisfaction in sex. Sexual dysfunction is listed among one of side effects of psychotropic medications. Aim of this work is to determine an influence of pharmacotherapy on sexual function in patients with bipolar disorder. &#x0D; Results: Pharmacotherapy in patients suffering from bipolar disorder can cause a multitude of side effects, including malfunction in sexual performance. Extent of severity in poor sexual life depends on many factors among which are: type of drug taken, whether there are one or more drugs taken at the same time. Seems to be observed that quetiapine shows the least negative effect on sexual performance. Additionally, highest risk of sexual malfunction is observed in patients with polytherapy. &#x0D; Conclusion: Besides topics investigated in the following research, there are additional factors like duration and severity of the disease, gender and age. There are many variables needed to be taken into consideration, but there is potential of choosing proper medication for a patient with least possible side effects and to allow them to perform more successful sex life, which directly corresponds with better quality of life.

Sexual knowledge of Queensland forensic mental health patients: A cross-sectional quantitative study.

Forensic patients with serious mental illnesses (SMI) encounter significant challenges including active symptomatology, associated social and interpersonal impairments, psychotropic medication side effects and institutionalization, all of which negatively affect sexual functioning and possibly their acquirement of sexual knowledge. Evidence shows an increased prevalence of high-risk sexual behavior by this group however, there is an absence of literature examining the sexual knowledge of forensic patients. This quantitative cross-sectional study enrolled N = 50 patients currently under the treatment requirements of a Forensic Order and utilized the validated General Sexual Knowledge Questionnaire (GSKQ) to quantify the participants' sexual knowledge over the domains of physiology, sexual intercourse, pregnancy, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, and sexuality. Male forensic patients scored lower than females on all domains of sexual knowledge. All participants had reasonable knowledge of physiology, sexual intercourse and sexuality; of concern were poor scores on pregnancy, contraception and sexually transmitted diseases. Thirty-five (70%) of the respondents indicated that they had some limited sex education, mostly at school. Only six (12%) received any sexual education from a health professional despite extensive contact with the forensic mental health services across many years. There is a need to assess the deficit in sexual knowledge of forensic patients in order to develop sexual health education, intervention and rehabilitative programmes that cater to the specific needs of this group to improve their sexual knowledge, encourage safe and positive sexual experiences, and enhance their quality of life.

Treating Obesity in Children and Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs.

This paper aims to summarize the literature regarding treatment of obesity in children with special healthcare needs and provide examples of implementation based on the available scientific evidence and the clinical experience of the authors. Due to the complexity of providing treatment for children with obesity and special healthcare needs, multidisciplinary teams are recommended to adapt care to meet the children's unique needs and ensure coordination of care across settings/caregivers. Medication management is often required to assist with the side effects of psychotropic medications. Children with special healthcare needs (SHCN) such as intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) should be considered for metabolic and bariatric surgery as they have similar outcomes to children without SHCN. Children with special healthcare needs can be successful in weight management treatment when they have access to comprehensive care including dietary, behavioral, pharmacological, and surgical interventions. Each child requires a tailored approach to ensure their special healthcare needs are addressed within the treatment plan.

DNA methylation may mediate psychotropic drug-induced metabolic side effects: results from a 1-month observational study

IntroductionMetabolic side effects of psychotropic medications are a major drawback to patients’ effective treatment. Among the mechanisms underlying their development, DNA methylation may be involved.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to estimate DNA methylation changes occurring secondary to psychotropic treatment and evaluate associations between 1-month metabolic changes and baseline DNA methylation or 1-month DNA methylation changes, using an epigenome-wide approach.MethodsSeventy-nine psychiatric patients recruited as part of PsyMetab study, who started a treatment with either an antipsychotic, a mood stabilizer or mirtazapine were selected. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation was measured using the Illumina Methylation EPIC BeadChip at baseline and after one month of treatment.ResultsA global methylation increase was observed after 1 month of treatment, which was more pronounced in patients whose weight remained stable (i.e., &lt;2.5% weight increase). Epigenome-wide significant methylation changes were observed at 52 loci in the whole cohort and at one site, namely cg12209987, located in an intergenic region within an enhancer, specifically in patients who underwent important early weight gain (i.e., ≥5% weight increase) during the same period of treatment (p&lt;5*10-8). Multivariable analysis confirmed an association between an increase in methylation at this locus and weight gain in the whole cohort (p=0.004). Epigenome-wide association analyses failed to identify any significant link between other metabolic changes (e.g. glucose or lipid levels) and methylation data.ConclusionsThese findings give new insight into the mechanisms of psychotropic drug-induced weight gain. With improved understanding of the metabolic side effects, the use of precision medicine with epigenetics may become possibleDisclosureNo significant relationships.

Clinical validation of the Aarhus Side effect Assessment Questionnaire(ASAQ).

Psychotropic medications are essential in the treatment of mental illness. Unfortunately, these medications are associated with side effects that may reduce adherence to treatment and quality of life. Therefore, systematic screening for side effects is fundamental to optimize treatment with psychotropic medications. Self-report of side effects is a practical alternative to time-consuming clinical assessments. We developed the Aarhus Side effect Assessment Questionnaire (ASAQ) in an attempt to strike the balance between extensive coverage of side effects and reasonable application time. The aim of the study was to validate the ASAQ using the clinician-rated Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser (UKU) Side Effect Scale as gold standard reference. A total of 122 inpatients and outpatients-mainly with psychotic (39%) and affective disorders (43%)-receiving treatment with psychotropic medication completed the ASAQ and the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) and were subsequently rated on the UKU by trained raters. Using the UKU as the gold standard reference, the ASAQ demonstrated sensitivity values >75% for 77% of its 30 items (ranging from 37% for cutaneous disturbances to 98% for increased sweating) and specificity values >75% for 47% of its 30 items (ranging from 28% for reduced sleep to 98% for micturition disturbances). While 17% of the participants considered discontinuing their medication, 24% had recently refrained from taking their medication as prescribed. A negative correlation was found between the ASAQ and the WHO-5 and total scores (Pearson's correlation coefficient = -0.44). The self-reported ASAQ seems to be a sensitive tool for detecting side effects of psychotropic medications.

The disquietude of clozapine continuation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The disquietude of clozapine continuation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Management of Medication-Induced Psychiatric Disorders.

Management of Medication-Induced Psychiatric Disorders.

Management of Psychiatric Disorders with HIV and Dermatological Disorders.

Management of Psychiatric Disorders with HIV and Dermatological Disorders.

Understanding, Assessing, and Managing the Side Effects of Psychotropic Medications

Understanding, Assessing, and Managing the Side Effects of Psychotropic Medications

A clinical audit to investigate polypharmacy and interactions in inpatients in an old age psychiatric ward

AimsTo identify any problematic polypharmacy in the patient records of those staying in Cherry Ward, an old age psychiatric unit at Highbury Hospital, Nottingham in the calendar year 2018.BackgroundMulti-morbidity is defined as more than one long-term medical condition in a single individual and is a factor that is closely associated with polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications concurrently. Appropriate and Problematic are the two classifications of polypharmacy outlined by the King's Fund report, the first describing optimised evidenced-based pharmacological management of comorbidities and the latter to label prescribed medications whose use is not in the best interests of the patient. The risk of drug interactions and adverse drug reactions is increased with polypharmacy, and frail elderly patients are particularly at risk of the side-effects of psychotropic medications used in the management of mental health disorders. Guidelines highlight this group as a key party to be identified when searching for at-risk people.MethodThe electronic records of those admitted and discharged from Cherry Ward in 2018 were reviewed in the period spanning January to May 2019, and the first forty-three patients were analysed in Microsoft Excel using criteria based on the King's fund report and the Medscape and BNF (British National Formulary) drug interaction tools. The Medscape drug interaction checker was used for initial screening; the complete medication list for each patient was entered into it and the number of interactions was displayed with advice on severity. If necessary, the individual interactions for each specific medication could also be cross-referenced in the BNF using the extensive lists provided for each drug. These are also graded from mild to severe.ResultOn discharge, 69.7% (thirty patients) met the criteria for being at higher risk of polypharmacy. One patient became at higher risk of polypharmacy during admission, and another two stepped down from meeting the criteria on admission but not on discharge. Thirty-one of the forty-three patients had at least one interaction recorded; 18.6% (eight patients) had at least one potentially severe interaction.ConclusionA substantial proportion of patients in Cherry ward in 2018 were at a higher risk of polypharmacy, reflecting current practice as outlined in the King's Fund report. Problematic polypharmacy is common among older patients hospitalised with psychiatric illness. Recommendations include use of an automated electronic system to investigate and flag up problematic polypharmacy and severe medication interactions.

Prevalence and correlates of sexual dysfunction among patients with mental disorders in a tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria.

BackgroundSexual dysfunction is more common among patients with mental disorders compared to the general population. Despite this high occurrence, information regarding sexual dysfunction as well as their correlates in patients receiving care for mental disorders in developing countries is still sparse.AimTo determine the prevalence and correlates of sexual dysfunction among patients with mental disorders receiving care in a tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria.SettingThis study was performed at the psychiatric outpatient clinic at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 238 adults aged 18–60 years. Socio-demographic and clinical information was obtained from all recruited patients. Sexual dysfunction was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire for men and the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire for women. Questionnaires for measuring depression, medication adherence and autonomic medication side effects were also administered. Associations between sexual dysfunction and socio-demographic and clinical factors were explored.ResultsThe prevalence rates of sexual dysfunction among male and female participants were 84.7% and 95.7%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, employment status and autonomic side effects of psychotropic medications significantly predicted male sexual dysfunction, while religion and employment status were predictors of female sexual dysfunction.ConclusionSexual dysfunction is very common among patients with mental disorders, with higher rates in female participants. There is a need for clinicians to consider routine screening for sexual dysfunction in psychiatric outpatients with a view of providing psychosocial interventions to improve patient’s quality of life.

Tardive Dyskinesia: Assessing and Treating a Debilitating Side Effect of Prolonged Antipsychotic Exposure

Tardive Dyskinesia: Assessing and Treating a Debilitating Side Effect of Prolonged Antipsychotic Exposure

Psychotropic medications use and side effects of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are treated with psychotropic medications, and polypharmacy is common. Although few studies address psychotropic side effects in the population, people with IDD have been found more likely to experience side effects than others who do not have IDD. Because many individuals with IDD may not report side effects reliably, there is risk that side effects may be missed. Psychotropic use and side effects of 71 adults with IDD admitted for a 30-day crisis stay to a Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment (START) Resource Center were reviewed. START is a specialised behavioural health outreach, training and crisis programme for individuals with IDD. During crisis stays, centre nurses administer the Matson Evaluation of Drug Side Effects screen, a psychometrically established psychotropic medication side effects screen developed for use with people with IDD. Data reviewed were de-identified data used to inform day-to-day practices and assess outcomes for individuals START served. The average age was 28years, and 56% of the sample was male. All individuals were taking at least one psychotropic, while 79% were taking three or more. The average number of psychotropics used was 3.94. Antipsychotics were the most commonly prescribed medications taken by 85% of the sample; 49% of whom were not reported to have psychosis. Although the overall number of psychotropics did not correlate with Matson Evaluation of Drug Side Effects scores, the average scale scores for all participants was high in contrast to prior studies of people with IDD not taking psychotropics, with central nervous system side effects being the most commonly reported. In the present study, data for individuals experiencing a crisis were reviewed and indicated high rates of psychotropic polypharmacy and side effects rates higher than previously reported for people with IDD not taking psychotropics. Prospective study in larger samples is needed to determine if missed or under-appreciated psychotropic side effects may play a role in behavioural health challenges of some people with IDD.

Le score des pictogrammes pour les patients conducteurs

IntroductionAs there is a case-law sentencing the lack of information to the patients who drive, we propose to clinically stabilized patients, sessions of therapeutic education. A driving simulator was used as therapeutic education tool and driving assessment tool. At the same time we calculated a score called pictograms’ score corresponding to the sum of risk level of each psychotropic driving-impairing medicine of the patient's prescription. Driving skill scores were then compared to the calculated pictograms’ score. Material and methods15 stabilized outpatients (depressive, bipolar or schizophrenic), (8M, 7F, 50.67±6.53 years old), having a French B driving license since 29.53±8.16 years, without somatic pathology and receiving psychotropic medications at usual dosages gave their consent and entered the study. 15 healthy control subjects (8H and 7F of 32±8.67 years and 13.07±7.94 years of license) taking no medication (with exception for hormonal contraception for women) were also tested for driving skills on the driving simulator used by the French Driving Schools ran on a desktop computer. The pictograms’ score is the weighted sum of the regulatory levels of harmonized warning pictograms for all the psychotropic prescribed. ResultsThe average simulator driving skills scores of the patient group are significantly lower than those of the healthy control group with 64.67±10.40 (32 to 82) and 79.67±6.84 (62 to 92), respectively (P=0.0018). While 20% of the patients in our sample failed (score≤50/100), 74% have comparable simulator driving skills as to the healthy subjects. In the previous 12 months before the study, their background was some road accidents among patients but only excess speed tickets for the healthy control subjects. The psychiatrists, including a doctor certified for the medical check of driving license, observed that the therapeutic education sessions are useful in moving the patient “in the right way” by overcoming his “innner conflicts”, and fears when driving. The pictograms’ score of the prescription allow us to measure the risk of multiple medications. It is analyzed taking into account the type of molecule, the dosage, the time passed since the initiation of treatment and since the last dose, the age of the patient and the diagnosis. For a psychotropic score greater than 17, we observed a worsening of the driving simulator score and potentially a risk threshold to be taken into account. ConclusionGuidelines that physicians use to assess fitness for driving are limited in their currency, and applicability. All in all, the pictograms’ score of the patient's prescription help him to understand the risk scale and act more safely. We use the pictograms’ score calculated by data mining in our health institution to refer patients with a score greater than or equal to 17 to a therapeutic education session. The pictograms’ score reflects only the treatment effect. With regards to the simulator’ driving score, the pictograms’ score differentiates the effects of the pathology from side effects of psychotropic medications on driving. Thus, it can help medication checking and reduce risk for patients who needed to drive.

Upskilling Mental Health Nurses to Address the Burden of Poor Metabolic Health: A Mixed Method Evaluation

People living with a severe mental illness experience a life expectancy gap compared to the rest of the population that is largely driven by preventable cardiovascular diseases stemming from lifestyle factors, and the side effects of psychotropic medications. Mental health nurses are well positioned to help address the gap using lifestyle interventions. However, many nurses don’t prioritise delivering such care, or lack the skills and confidence to implement these strategies. This study used a mixed method approach to determine the effectiveness of 2-day metabolic workshops that aimed to provide nurses with the skills to provide lifestyle interventions. The quantitative component compares pre and post measures of attitudes, confidence, knowledge and perceived barriers of providing metabolic care using a validated tool (M-BACK) and the qualitative component to elicit more details of the needs, expectations and plans of participants. Fifty-six nurse participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements in M-BACK post scores (p < 0.001), with 53 of the 56 participants (95%) achieving improved M-BACK scores. Participants identified three primary barriers to delivering metabolic care, related to individual staff members, consumers, and system issues. Prior to the course participants stated they hoped to improve their knowledge, enhance their practical skills and provide education for others. Following completion of the course participants planned to implement lifestyle education and interventions for consumers, provide education and support to other staff and integrate metabolic health care into clinical reviews and planning. This study demonstrates that education on metabolic health care can be effective in improving the attitudes, confidence, and knowledge of mental health nursing in providing metabolic health care and a decrease in the perceived barriers to delivering that care.

HALOPERIDOL DECANOATE INDUCED PANCYTOPENIA: A CASE REPORT

Introduction Blood dyscrasias can occur secondary to antipsychotic drug use which may be due to direct drug toxicity or immunologic mechanisms causing bone marrow suppression. Antipsychotic use mostly causes neutropenia and less frequently thrombocytopenia. Drug-induced pancytopenia is a very rare side-effect of psychotropic medications and is even rarer with butyrophenones like haloperidol Methods We reviewed the case of a geriatric patient who developed pancytopenia while on haloperidol decanoate monthly injection Results We present the case of an 85-year-old African-American woman with a long history of schizophrenia, who was stabilized on Haloperidol Decanoate 50?mg monthly IM for a few years at another hospital. She was then maintained on the Haloperidol decanoate for a few months after she moved outpatient care to our hospital. She was noted to have pancytopenia at initial presentation in the clinic and her RBC, Platelets, and WBC (including neutrophil) counts gradually declined to the point where her Haloperidol Decanoate was placed on hold in order to further monitor the blood counts. Baseline leukocyte count was 3000/mm³ when she started outpatient treatment at our clinic, which gradually dropped to 1860/mm³ within 6 months of Haloperidol decanoate treatment. During this time, hemoglobin dropped 0.8 points (10.9?g/?dL to 10.1 g/dL), and platelet count decreased from 154,000/mm3 to 140,000/mm3. Within one month of discontinuation of haloperidol decanoate, patient decompensated and was admitted to the psychiatry inpatient unit. Hematology was consulted; lab work to exclude other causes of pancytopenia was completed and haloperidol induced pancytopenia was suspected. She didn't receive any more haloperidol decanoate during her hospital stay. She consistently refused oral medications and became catatonic. Court order for medication-over-objection was obtained but she continued refusing oral medications. As a result, she received Olanzapine 5?mg IM consistently for few days which ultimately resulted in clinical improvement. She was discharged after 2 months of inpatient stay. Her cell counts gradually trended upwards during the inpatient stay. At the time of discharge from the inpatient unit, her WBC count had increased to 5100/mm3, hemoglobin increased to 11.2?g/?dL, and platelet count remained stable at 138000/mm3. It took roughly three months, after stopping the haloperidol decanoate, for the counts to normalize. Conclusions Blood dyscrasias should be suspected in patients treated with antipsychotics. Patients on long acting depot antipsychotics might need longer time to recover from blood dyscrasias due to slow wash-out of depot preparations This research was funded by: Not Applicable