Orthomolecular and Botanical Treatments to Help Alleviate the Side Effects of Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs

Abstract The current standard of care for schizophrenic patients, such as continual medication with atypical antipsychotic drugs, does more harm than good. A review of the literature revealed that in addition to causing the well known side effects of extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia, side effects such as hyperprolactinemia, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, diabetes, cardiac arrhythmias, and even a worsening of psychosis (when used long-term) are common occurrences. Specific orthomolecular and botanical treatments might help prevent and/or reduce some of these negative side effects. The most effective approach is to institute all the components of an ideal treatment program, as advocated by Dr. Abram Hoffer. This is the only approach that facilitates genuine recovery among chronic schizophrenic patients.