Unwanted drug effects are called "side effects." Antipsychotics and some other drugs are anticholinergic, this particular quality means they act on the parasympathetic nervous system. It is what they do, regardless of any other perceived or actual benefit to the person taking them. It explains why my son who was already severely nearsighted, prior to taking any psychiatric drugs--and was given Risperdal, really did not progress in his ability to read after that. It was not that he didn't want to--it was an effect of the drug! I knew his behavior wasn't intentional, he was labeled "oppositional and defiant." Such a load of pain was added to his childhood by this label.
My son has had braces for two years now, and his bite is perfect, a couple more months left before they come off. At his last appointment, he was filled with terror. He has never had a hard time with going to the dentist or the orthodontist before. I felt so bad for him. In the chair reclining his face filled with fear, his huge hands gripping the arms; he fought the fear. I stood there, holding his hand pleading that my Creator not let me show my sadness, not let me cry. I am so grateful for how kind and understanding everybody at his orthodontist's is. No pity or odd looks; thankfully, only acceptance, kindness, and compassion.
Anticholinergic drugs cause many systems to run amok and to not function properly.
So a person diagnosed and treated with drugs for a mental illness, runs a pretty substantial risk that the drugs may cause physical ailments, dysfunction, and disease.
an·ti·cho·lin·er·gic ( n t -k l -nûr j k, nt -)n. An agent that is antagonistic to the action of parasympathetic or other cholinergic nerve fibers. |
[edit]Clinical Significance
The parasympathetic nervous system promotes digestion and the synthesis of glycogen, and allows for normal function and behavior.
[edit]
If you've read this above definitions and wonder, in plain English what does this mean? It means the way my son's eyes function is altered, he is chronically nasally congested, he has been constipated for ten years+, he smokes, (the higher the drug dosages the more he smokes) he is reading at the same grade level he was when he was first given antipsychotics, he drools at night, (soaking his pillow case)
My son takes three anticholinergic drugs. Effects are increased. Risks are increased. The only things that do not seem to be increased by the drugs are his chances for a normal life or recovery.
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