ANTIPSYCHOTICS

What would be the disadvantages, then of the atypical neuroleptics? They are listed on this slide. One big disadvantage is the cost. Whereas a month's supply of haloperidol might be about $15, a similar month's supply of olanzapine or risperdone might be $200. Clozaril, because of the federally mandated requirement for blood work and the price of the medication itself, might cost around $10,000 per year. The other disadvantage is that these medicines have been used for so little a period of time, that we do not know if there will develop an untoward outcome if individuals take these medications over prolonged periods of years.