TOO many people on anti-psychotic drugs are not properly informed about the side effects of their medication which could lead to devastating consequences, a charity has warned.
People should be told if there is a possibility that a drug could lead to side effects such as severe weight gain, sleepiness and slowness, stiffness or shakiness, Rethink Mental Illness said.
The charity said some people are being put on the drugs without proper consideration of the impact that the medication could have on their physical health.
The comments come after a poll by the charity, released to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, revealed that 62 per cent of those who are on, or caring for someone on, anti-psychotic medication said the risks, benefits and side effects were not adequately explained.
The poll also found that one in four people on anti-psychotic drugs, commonly prescribed for conditions including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are left on the drugs without timely reviews.
"We understand health professionals face many barriers, particularly when working with people in crisis, with limited time and resources," Brian Dow of external Rethink Mental Illness said.
"But it's crucial we start to see the whole person by ensuring both mental and physical health needs are addressed as one."
He added: "We know that people with mental illness die on average 20 years earlier than the rest of the population, and this can largely be attributed to their physical health needs being overlooked."
